Unilabs, Europe's leading diagnostic services provider, has designed a new PCR test that can effectively identify the new Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. Unilabs is currently working with health authorities to enhance public health and security measures with the aim of curbing the spread of the virus in the region.

Timoteo Guimarães, Head of the Business Unit at Unilabs, said that the company has created the test to reliably identify the new COVID-19 variant, noting that it is spreading rapidly in many parts of Europe and other countries.

"We are using the same techniques we created to detect the Kent variant, and we expect to quickly track any future variants, too," he said.

Data and information collected by Unilabs through its testing efforts in countries like the UK, the UAE, Portugal, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden are being used to track the spread of the new variant as well as identify new variants. This data is further helping health authorities to implement targeted precautionary measures to contain the virus.

Guimarães has noted that a data-driven approach will facilitate smarter lockdowns, protect community members and minimise the economic fall-out

As of now, Unilabs is offering PCR testing, the "gold standard" of COVID-19 tests, along with antigen and serology tests. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Unilabs has administered more than 12 million COVID-19 tests in several countries around the world.

With a vast network of labs and medical experts spread across 16 countries, Unilabs is continuously working with governments, health authorities and companies worldwide to create effective testing strategies. It has also partnered with a number of airlines to provide testing facilities for international travellers.

The company recently signed an agreement to include Unilabs’ global COVID-19 testing network into IATA Travel Pass, the travel app of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Reliable COVID-19 testing is a crucial step in the global efforts to contain the pandemic as well as facilitating mass vaccinations, easing restrictions, and reopening of economic activities to boost recovery.

WAM