SINGAPORE, July 8, 2022 / PRNewswire / – iGene Laboratory, the subsidiary of INEX Innovate Pte Ltd’s molecular diagnostic laboratory, announces the launch of its Monkeypox polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for use only (RUO) in response to the recent outbreak of the virus.
The iGene lab team
Monkeypox virus occurs mainly in Central and West Africa, causing a disease with smallpox-like symptoms: fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and muscle aches along with smallpox-like lesions. . Smallpox is a zoonosis: a disease that is transmitted mainly from animals to humans, although it can also be transmitted from man to human. It can be transmitted by contact with body fluids, injuries to the skin or internal mucous surfaces, such as the mouth or throat, respiratory drops, and contaminated objects. Detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test for monkeypox. The best diagnostic samples are directly from the rash: skin, fluid or scabs, or biopsy when possible. The incubation period for the onset of symptoms can be between 5 and 21 days, with an average of 6 to 13 days. Symptoms can last for 2 to 4 weeks.[1]
The World in Data reports 3339 cases on June 22, 2022. As of July 5, there were 7075 cases, representing a 107% increase in two weeks.[2]
In Singapore, there are now three confirmed cases, including two imported cases and one local case.[3]
The iGene (RUO) Monkeypox PCR test targets two specific conservative regions of the Monkeypox virus, in addition to internal control using real-time PCR. Real-time PCR is the same methodology used by iGene Laboratory for the detection of COVID-19. This test is only available for research use and provides results within 4 hours of sample processing.
IGene Lab CEO Kane Black said “In another first, iGene Lab has launched a RUO Monkeypox PCR test in response to the recent outbreak of the virus in non-endemic countries. The launch of the Monkeypox test further increases the company’s PCR infectious disease portfolio and strengthens the the company’s position as a leader in the field. “
www.igenelab.com