"Vikor Scientific™ is a high
complexity CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory in Charleston, South
Carolina that has been approved to test for COVID-19 as of 3-23-2020. The
testing will be conducted via the QuantStudio™ 12K Flex Open Array from Thermo
Fisher, which is an industry-leading instrument for PCR testing and has the
capacity for high throughput, allowing Vikor to test a high volume of patients
daily.
Vikor’s testing has a 24-hour
turn-around-time upon sample arrival at the lab and can accurately detect over
40 pathogens known to cause respiratory illness. Just as important, they
have one of the largest antibiotic resistance gene panels on the commercial
market. Our test reports provide quantitative pathogen results, resistance gene
identification and pharmacy guided recommendations. Should any further
assistance be needed, our infectious disease trained PharmDs are available by
phone for personal patient consultations. Test results are faxed and loaded
onto our portal for easy access.
In effort to protect our most
vulnerable population, Vikor Scientific has prioritized offering Respira-ID
with COVID-19 testing to LTC facilities nationwide for all symptomatic or
exposed patients at risk. Vikor has a step-by-step implementation process that
educates the staff on proper collection, completion of the paperwork and
obtaining test results.
It is vital during this time to
remember that while the COVID-19 virus is our most recent and urgent pathogen
invading the United States, there are other significant pathogens that cause
hospitalization and death daily. Vikor’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr.
Bill W. Massey, urges providers to conduct full panel testing to not only
detect or rule out COVID-19, but to also determine what may be causing the
patient’s symptoms. The causative pathogen could be viral, bacterial, or
co-infection and lead to significant illness, hospitalizations, and death.
To date the coinfection rate for
patients 65 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19 with Vikor has been
76.1% with some patients having up 5 coinfections. The significance of this
data cannot be understated clinically as both the COVID-19 virus and the
coinfection must be treated at the same time. These coinfection leads to
secondary infections which is the main causes of bacterial pneumonia which is
treatable.
Sincerely yours,
Bernie"
Bernie Wahl
Account Manager
(C) 602-499-3673
(F) 602-560-2463
