Pandemic Response Laboratory (PRL) detects first case of COVID-19 variant from South Africa in New York State citizen

BROOKLYN, N.Y. , Feb. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New York's Pandemic Response Laboratory (PRL), a leading diagnostic life sciences company founded by Opentrons Labworks Inc., today announced that its scientists have discovered the first case in a New York State resident. Cases of B1.351, which is the South African variant of COVID-19.

At least 10 other cases of the South African variant have been detected across the United States. 

New York City-based PRL has been conducting mass testing in the state since September 2020 and began genomic sequencing three weeks ago to track COVID-19 variants. After the new variant was discovered among New York residents, PRL notified federal, state and local public health officials.

"Not only can the Epidemic Response Laboratory test for COVID-19 quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively, our ability to track variants of concern is a key advantage in the fight against the virus. We are proud and honored to be part of this fight and look forward to bringing Our innovations are available in all fifty states,” said Jonathan Brennan-Badal, CEO of Opentrons.

Key facts

• 使用 Opentrons 专有技术，PRL 以低成本产生高度准确的 PCR 测试结果和下一代病毒基因组测序。 PRL 可在 24 小时或更短的时间内提供 99% 的 PCR 结果，且检测成本比全国平均检测成本低 50%。
  
• PRL 正在扩大其测序能力，有望满足公共卫生测序需求。
  
• 去年 9 月，纽约市选择 PRL来领导其 COVID-19 测试流程。 PRL 还为其他客户提供测试服务，包括医院系统和大型雇主。
  
• Opentrons specializes in manufacturing innovative robotic automation solutions for the healthcare sector. Its products are used in more than 2,000 laboratories in more than 40 countries. 

Contact: Steve Posner, Steve@SevenLetter.com, 202-841-1926

SOURCE Pandemic Response Laboratory