On Apr. 7, 2020, Mesa Biotech announced it was shipping 10,000 of its Accula SARS-CoV-2 molecular rapid point of care (POC) tests. The company’s COVID-19 test uses patented technology to enable ‘near patient’ testing outside of the central laboratory with diagnostic results in 30 minutes. The Accula SARS-CoV-2 is easy to use, fits in the palm of your hand and provides a highly accessible means for healthcare professionals to access laboratory quality results near the patient.

The Accula System provides a true decentralized testing solution for COVID-19 at the point of care. The Accula SARS-CoV-2 is easy to use, fits in the palm of your hand and provides a highly accessible means for healthcare professionals to access laboratory quality results near the patient. With diagnostic results in 30 minutes, physicians can decide to isolate, treat or dismiss potential carriers of the virus.

The Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test is a visually read test using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) via throat and nasal swab samples. Similar to Mesa Biotech’s commercially available tests for influenza and RSV, the Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test is designed for point-of-care use, including temporary screening facilities, physician office labs, urgent care, and long term nursing facilities. The system complements central laboratories where current testing is performed.

Mesa Biotech’s technology was developed at Los Alamos National Lab supported by NIH grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Western Regional Centers for Excellence in Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease program. In mid-March, the company received funding from the U.S. Health and Human Services for development of its SARS-CoV-2 test and less than one week later received emergency use authorization.

Since its inception, the company has focused on technology well-suited for emergency defense and rapid deployment for SARS, Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases. Mesa Biotech’s platform was specifically designed for use outside the lab to enable rapid responses to global pandemics, such as COVID-19.