Round Rock, T.X. -- Pro-Lab Diagnostics has confirmed the efficacy of their molecular PCR diagnostic testing at their high-complexity molecular laboratory in the detection of the Omicron strain. They used two technologies to validate this detection, Pro-Amp HT and Bio-RAD.

During the analysis carried out at Pro-Lab Diagnostics’ lab, Technical Supervisor, Charles Grice, has confirmed his findings of this validation through a transition mutation using existing primer sets. 

“I am pleased to report that our findings in the detection of the Omicron variant have gone without issue. We are proud to support our community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our peace and raise concern for our friends and families. Pro-Lab Diagnostics is working relentlessly to play our part in educating the community on this emerging variant and help keep our neighborhoods safe with our drive-thru testing.” – Charles Grice III, LM, MB(ASCP)^CM, Technical Supervisor at Pro-Lab Diagnostics.

Both technologies are designed to confirm the infection of all SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the active Delta variant, but would need to perform a deeper study in the gene sequencing to distinguish the specific known variant that is causing a positive reaction. 

Recent studies have found the Omicron variant to be 4 times more transmissible than the Delta variant, and the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the variant has a great ability to elude immune response through prior infections or vaccines of COVID-19.

Pro-Lab Diagnostics will be continuing coverage on the Omicron variant as more studies are reported during these early stages. 

Need testing?

Pro-Lab Diagnostics offers same-day COVID-19 testing at their drive-thru.

They are located at 21 Cypress Blvd Suite 1155 Round Rock, TX, 78665.

Drive-thru hours are open from 8AM-7PM every day.

https://info.pro-lab-direct.com/en/portal

Email: Support@pro-lab.us

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Reference: Omicron four times more transmissible than delta in Japan study (mercurynews.com)