COVID-19 has changed modern life forever. As the pandemic continues, experts around the world are working hard to find a solution. MAKO Medical Laboratories, a reference laboratory that specialises in methodology development and testing, has taken a central role in the fight. The company recently unveiled its latest weapon against the novel coronavirus: a highly sensitive, cost-effective mass-screening antigen test.
“Our MAKO team is excited to partner with Diasorin to bring this highly sensitive antigen test to the masses,” says Josh Arant, COO and co-founder at MAKO Medical Laboratories. “With a sensitivity of 97.1 percent and a specificity of 100 percent, utilising nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs, MAKO can turn results around in less than 24 hours with a capacity to run over 100,000 tests per day.”
The MAKO antigen test allows experts to identify the SARS-CoV-2 N protein antigen, which is usually detectable during the acute phase of novel coronavirus infection. Using this DiaSorin LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 Ag high-throughput antigen test could give researchers a competitive advantage. The system allows them to detect the virus in patients quickly and easily. Unlike many other tests, the results of this latest offering come back in as little as a day. When it comes to virus detection, the new test could be a real game-changer.
While the test offers more accurate and faster results, its benefits don’t end there. The MAKO Medical Laboratories team has ensured that the test is cost-effective. This means that mass screening is now a viable option. Additionally, the test will help experts determine whether someone who previously had the virus is still carrying it. That could help stop the spread of COVID-19 from person to person. When it comes to staying one step ahead of the mutating virus, this innovation could be an effective tool.
“DiaSorin’s platform demonstrates the next level of understanding for COVID-19 cases, and it allows our team to further our partnership with health officials across the country as a one-stop laboratory service provider,” continued Arant.
MAKO Medical Laboratories is College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited, with many recognising it as an industry leader. The company switched its focus at the start of last year to help with the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic. Since April 2020, the lab has performed more than five million COVID-19 tests. The team of experts use next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify the virus in patients.
Aside from swift virus identification, this method also allows researchers to detect any mutations or variants of the COVID-19 virus. The company has been testing patients across 38 states and has found a massive 160 COVID-19 variant cases so far. The lab’s findings include some of the most notable mutations of the virus, such as the B.117, B.1351, and L452R variants.
MAKO Medical Laboratories has two facilities in Henderson and Raleigh. The laboratories currently take up more than 70,000 square feet between them. When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold last year, Chad Price adapted the business to help battle the pandemic. As part of this change, he extended the Henderson laboratory space. The move has doubled the laboratory’s capacity from 50,000 tests per day to around 100,000 instead.
While the company’s physical space has grown in the last year, the team has also expanded to meet demands. At the start of last year, MAKO Medical Laboratories had just 350 employees. Now, that number has shot up to more than 1,000 staff members. Armed with a larger team, the company can manage many more COVID-19 tests while also contributing to ongoing research in the area.
The new antigen test is just one way that the company is helping the wider community. While the pandemic continues, the MAKO Medical Laboratories team is focused on offering fast tests, screening, and innovative research at every turn.
About MAKO medical laboratories
With an expert team of nationally recognised doctors and doctorate holders, MAKO Medical Laboratories is an industry leader that specialises in methodology development and pathological services. The healthcare company prioritises patients by offering transparency.
Founded in 2014 by Chad Price, Adam Price, and Josh Arant, MAKO Medical is an innovative company. Combining various types of new technology – including robotics, app platforms, and cloud-based tech – the brand offers cutting-edge resources to patients. As a response to the pandemic, the laboratories adapted their services to offer COVID-19 testing.
Chad Price is the CEO and co-founder of MAKO Medical Laboratories. He has a long history of entrepreneurial activities, having previously co-founded BrideGenie and founded Element Services Group Mechanical LLC. He also played a major role in starting Cary Reconstruction, is a board member for Trill A.I., and offers tailored consulting services to companies embarking on new mergers.
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