Pictor, an in vitro diagnostics company, is partnering with Rako Science and Tasso to shortly introduce its PictArray SARS-CoV-2 IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody test in New Zealand.
The partnership intends to improve accessibility to Covid-19 antibody testing in the country. It combines Pictor’s diagnostic technologies with Rako Science’s collection and analysis network to provide a personalised antibody status.
Rako Science, which is an Auckland-based high-tech pathology company, will use its national network by taking blood samples with a device from Tasso to conduct Covid-19 antibody testing in New Zealand.
Pictor’s PictArray SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA antibody test is designed to deliver personalised Covid-19 assessments.
The in vitro diagnostics company claimed that the test detects if antibodies in patients are from a previous infection of SARS-CoV-2 from spike protein (SP) and nucleocapsid protein (NP) antibodies or from vaccination alone. It confirms if the immunity in an individual is from vaccines or from viral infection.
Pictor CEO Howard Moore said: “The ability to test for SP, NP and a combination of SP and NP allows us to understand an individual’s circulating antibodies.
“That way, the patient and their doctor will know whether the patient should be immunised or boosted.”
Under the collaboration, Pictor’s Covid-19 antibody test will be accessible through Tasso’s new Tasso+ in-clinic and remote blood collection device. Rako Science’s role will be to make the antibody test available to New Zealand citizens and healthcare organisations labelled Test2Detect brand.
Initially, Rako Science will operate out of two locations in Auckland and Christchurch to provide supervised in-centre testing.
Tasso co-founder Erwin Berthier said: “The Tasso device will change the landscape of diagnostic testing over the coming years.
“By making it very easy for blood collection to be performed at Rako Science collection centres, New Zealanders will soon have improved access to the blood testing they need.”
In June 2022, Pictor received CE marking for its PictArray SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA antibody test for personalised Covid-19 assessment.
