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Source: stoptb.org

Xpert Express SARS-CoV-2 Cartridge now available from
Stop TB Partnership’s Global Drug Facility

27 March 2020, Geneva, Switzerland – The Stop TB Partnership’s Global Drug Facility (GDF) has expanded its Diagnostics Catalog to include a new test for novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. The Xpert Express SARS-CoV-2 test cartridges are now available at US$19.80 per cartridge from the manufacturer, Cepheid.  For the full listing, see the GDF Diagnostics Catalog.

The Xpert Express SARS-CoV-2 cartridge received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 21 March 2020. The cartridge can be used on any of the currently available GeneXpert systems (GeneXpert Systems running software version 4.7 or higher). Results are available in 45 minutes. See the test’s Instructions for Use for more information.

The GDF is already engaging with programmes and partners to determine the demand for new COVID-19 tests and helping to determine the need for additional machines to ensure TB testing continues while adding COVID-19 testing.

The GDF has been facilitating access to GeneXpert systems and Xpert cartridges for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin-resistance TB for years, delivering nearly 2.5 million TB cartridges to nearly 50 countries in 2019 alone and is thus well-positioned to support programmes to access new tests for COVID-19.

For more information about Xpert Express SARS-CoV-2 cartridge, please contact GDF at gdf@stoptb.org.