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This section provides an overview for covid-19 tests as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 38 covid-19 test manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked covid-19 test companies as of December, 2024: 1.Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., 2.Vitrosens Biotechnology, 3.Empowered Diagnostics, LLC.
Table of Contents
Around December 2019, a new type of coronavirus broke out in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. In February of the same year, infection was confirmed in 31 provinces and spreading rapidly throughout China. At the same time, the infection spread to countries around the world, and by early March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic, with over 4,000 deaths and confirmed infections globally.
The official name for the new coronavirus infection is "coronavirus disease 2019" (COVID-19). It is also caused by a virus named "SARS-CoV-2" by the International Committee on Virus Classification. The coronavirus has swept across the globe, leaving a profound impact on economies and lives.
As of 2021, three types of COVID-19 tests are available.
The testing methods are listed below:
There are three types of COVID-19 test methods, and the applicable test differs depending on the specimen used. The main specimens used are nasopharyngeal swab and sputum, in addition to those mentioned for the PCR test.
Below are the results of studies on the efficacy of each PCR test:
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital have published a study on "Investigation of the usefulness of nasopharyngeal swab and saliva in the diagnosis of new-type coronavirus infection."
According to this study, the PCR test was defined as (1) the administrative test PCR method using throat swab fluid (public health center) and (2) the test using saliva, and the agreement rate (2/①) was calculated by dividing the positive cases of each method.
For the saliva-based test, the "Infectious Diseases Research Institute method" and "Cobas8800" were used as PCR methods. And "SARS-CoV-2 Direct Detection RT-q PCR Kit", "2019 New Coronavirus Detection Reagent Kit" and "New Coronavirus Detection Kit SARS-CoV-2 Detection Kit" were used as a direct PCR method. In addition, "Loopamp EXIA" was used as the LAMP method.
As a result, a high concordance rate was observed between "nasopharyngeal swab fluid" and "saliva" in cases within 9 days of onset of illness.
Apart from the previously mentioned PCR method, COVID-19 testing includes 'antigen tests' and 'antibody tests.
There are three types of antigen tests: a qualitative antigen test (simple kit), a qualitative antigen test (laboratory equipment), and a quantitative antigen test.
The simple kit is user-friendly and suitable for bedside use, with results confirming within approximately 15 to 30 minutes. While the test's sensitivity is lower than that of the PCR, it maintains a generally high specificity, although some issues have been observed.
Tests using instruments for qualitative analysis demonstrate greater sensitivity compared to simple kits. For instance, sensitivity is approximately 10 times higher when assessing the N antigen quantity. Additionally, results can be confirmed within a similar timeframe as with a simple kit. However, this test necessitates specialized equipment, available in both small and large sizes.
The quantitative antigen test is mainly used at airport quarantine stations and is comparable in sensitivity to simple genetic tests, such as the LAMP method.
This test can use saliva as a specimen. It can also be used in asymptomatic individuals. Specificity is generally high.
However, there is concern about the possibility of false-positive results when used in screening populations with low pretest probability (prevalence) (asymptomatic individuals).
The WHO website also states in "Diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2. 11 September 2020" that antibody tests should not be used alone for diagnosis because the interpretation of antibody tests depends on the timing of testing during the clinical course.
As of December 2020, there have been no approvals for antibody tests as in vitro diagnostic tests.
Antibody testing implies a high probability of having been infected in the past, and the presence of antibodies in the body does not mean that there is protective immunity to infection. In addition, the human immune response is highly individualized and may be influenced by factors such as age, gender, race, and region of residence.
The clinical significance of antibody testing should be carefully considered when using it to diagnose individual patients.
The number of COVID-19 tests conducted nationwide was approximately 76,000 PCR tests conducted between February 18, 2020, and May 19, 2022.
As of May 19, 2022, the number of tests that can be performed per day is approximately 405,000.
Of these, the total number of positive cases was 8.55 million up to May 21, 2022.
Regarding the test count, a total of 1.53 million tests were conducted by May 20, 2022, encompassing local health laboratories, private laboratories, and more. This figure is inclusive of both PCR and antigen tests.
Free COVID-19 testing is conducted by local governments nationwide as a free PCR and other testing program in line with the "General Testing Program at the Time of Infection Spread" (hereinafter referred to as "General Testing Program") and the "Program to Promote the Establishment of Vaccine Testing Packages and Testing for All Eligible Persons" (hereinafter referred to as "Program to Promote the Establishment of Testing").
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., founded in 1952, is an American manufacturer headquartered in Hercules, California, specialized in technological products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. The company's portfolio includes life science products such as chromatography, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and flow cytometry antibodies. In the clinical diagnostics domain, the company provides liquid chromatography (HPLC) solutions for diabetes testing, along with automation tools for hospitals and clinical core laboratories. The company also offers quality control products for laboratory quality management system as well as food and beverage testing. Notably, services offered include laboratory setup, instrument maintenance, and educational programs.
Dxterity Diagnostics, Inc., established in 2006 and headquartered in Rancho Dominguez, California, is a developer and supplier of RNA-based immune systems used for profiling to better understand the root causes of immune-mediated conditions. The company offers the the DxTerity IFN-1 Test gene signature which measures the expression of IFN-1 in the blood and helps the patient understand the risk for disease progression. Its products are available conveniently for use as in-office and at-home testing tools to enable patients to take an active role in managing their health.
RayBiotech Life, Inc., established in 2001 and headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, is a life sciences supplier specializing in proteomic discovery tools and disease testing methodologies. The company offers an array of protein research kits, reagents, and services for use in scientific research, including proteomics, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development. Some of its products include cytokine arrays for protein assessment, ELISA kits for data generation, and tools for COVID-19 research. It maintains ISO 13485 medical device certification, ensuring product quality, and compliance with GLP/GMP FDA regulations.
4U Health Inc., established in 2020 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, is a manufacturer of at-home health testing kits. The company's product lineup includes pharmacogenetic testing kits for cardiac disorder or medication checks, food sensitivity or intolerance tests for allergic reactions to different food ingredients, and comprehensive medication response tests (PGx Gene Tests) for evaluating genetic responses to medications. The company's products are primarily used by clients in the biotechnology, wellness, and healthcare sectors.
Roche Diagnostics Corporation is headquartered in Indiana, USA, and is a manufacturer of medical tests and digital tools that was founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of Roche Holding AG. The company produces equipment and instruments used for research and clinical purposes, ranging from immunochemistry to molecular diagnostics. These include products for monitoring blood glucose levels and diabetes, microarray technologies for detecting genetic mutations, and software that streamlines laboratory workflows or data analysis procedures. The company primarily serves private and public hospitals, research institutions, and clinical laboratories. Some notable clients include Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson.
Daan Gene Co., Ltd., originally known as DA AN GENE CO., LTD. OF SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY, is a manufacturer and distributor of clinical testing reagents and molecular diagnostic solutions. The company is primarily involved in research, development and production of in-vitro diagnostic products such as TRF, Sequeacing, ELISA, qPCR, and Cytology diagnostic tools and equipment. The company also offers private clinical testing services and operates mainly in the domestic Chinese market.
iHealth Labs Inc, founded in the United States in 2010, is a supplier of medical devices such as Blood Pressure Monitors, Wireless Scales, Fitness Devices, and Diabetes Management Solutions. The company's product portfolio includes blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitors, body analysis scales, pulse oximeters, and activity and sleep trackers. It also launched the world's first Bluetooth-connected blood pressure monitor that worked with iOS devices. Its products are FDA approved and being sold in 13 states in the USA.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. |
97.1%
|
| 2 | Vitrosens Biotechnology |
0.7%
|
| 3 | Empowered Diagnostics, LLC |
0.7%
|
| 4 | Flowflex |
0.7%
|
| 5 | Daan Gene Co., Ltd. |
0.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the covid-19 test page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
13 | 54.2% |
|
China
|
2 | 8.3% |
India
|
2 | 8.3% |
Germany
|
1 | 4.2% |
United Kingdom
|
1 | 4.2% |
Republic of Korea
|
1 | 4.2% |
Turkey
|
1 | 4.2% |
Australia
|
1 | 4.2% |
Singapore
|
1 | 4.2% |
Canada
|
1 | 4.2% |
2 products found
2 products
IDA Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 13 hours ago
■This is a self-test test kit to check for the presence of antigens of the new coronavirus. As for the sample, please choose saliva or nasal swab, ...
Flattalk Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Features ・COVID19 response ・Built-in temperature sensor ・Equipped with face recognition camera (software developed separately) ・Disinfectant ...
