ARCpoint Labs, the diagnostic testing lab franchise with nearly 100 locations across the U.S., including Tipp City, is partnering with Ethos Laboratories to bring a brand new test to market that measures protective immunity to COVID-19. Tru-Immune™ by Ethos Laboratories is the first Surrogate Viral Neutralization Test (sVNT) to evaluate COVID-19 protective immunity in the United States. Unlike other tests currently on the market, Tru-Immune™ detects the presence and magnitude of neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could prevent future infection.
“This test will provide personalized information that has not been available before,” says John Constantine, CEO of ARCpoint Franchise Group. “This is the first test that can give you an indication of how effective your antibodies are at fighting COVID-19. We are excited about what this means for individuals, and the value it provides as they make decisions about returning to work and other activities safely and with confidence. ARCpoint Labs is proud to be the first national network of collection sites for Tru-Immune™ as we roll this out.”
According to a recent article published by Johns Hopkins University, neutralization assays are the ‘gold standard’ for determining if a patient has effective antibodies and protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. “Tru-Immune is the first test to evaluate protective immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that does not require the use of live virus, cell culture or even pseudovirus,” says Dr. Joshua Gunn, CSO of Ethos Research and Development. “These significant innovations allow us to process samples in less than 3 hours, compared to viral neutralization tests that can take 3-5 days to produce results.”
Blood tests capable of detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have flooded the market, but none can measure the viral neutralizing capacity of these antibodies. “If test results indicate the presence of neutralizing antibodies, that means you’ve been exposed and your immune system is capable of inhibiting the virus if you are exposed again,” says Gunn.
More studies will be required to better understand how long the protective antibody response lasts in recovered patients, and this information will be key for developing effective vaccine strategies. “Behind the scenes, we’re all geeking out about the science involved in this test,” says Constantine, “but we’re most excited about how this information will help with vaccine development and convalescent plasma donations, which could be potentially life-saving. Until we have a vaccine, this could be the strongest defense we have to fight COVID-19.”
Tru-Immune™ has not yet been approved by the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization. Ethos Laboratories has submitted data and statements to the FDA for review.
ARCpoint Labs is now offering Tru-Immune™ at select locations, including ARCpoint Labs of Scottsdale North Arizona (15455 N Greenway Hayden Loop, Suite C16, Scottsdale).
Ethos Laboratories is a clinical diagnostic laboratory located in Newport, Kentucky, dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering with pain, providing personalized diagnostic services through cutting-edge testing and continuous innovation. Turn-around is among the fastest in the industry, presenting novel levels of transparency, honesty, excellence, and integrity in the laboratory industry. The company focuses on providing excellent quality, service, and support for every customer, and the highest standards for accuracy and efficiency. The laboratory has created innovative tools, resources, and processes that have improved provider insight into sources of pain, increased understanding of medication compliance and management, and fuels the pursuit of continuous improvement including launching a telehealth integration platform.
ARCpoint Labs is a full-service national third-party provider/administrator of accurate, reliable, and confidential diagnostic testing for individuals, companies, and legal and healthcare professionals. We’ve been in the drug and alcohol testing business for over 18 years, and our staff has over 60 years of combined industry experience. ARCpoint Labs has nearly 100 locations across the country.
