NEWS BRIEF: Diagnostics firm expands COVID sample collection at schools to include monkeypox testing

A clinical laboratory in Atlanta is expanding its onsite school sample collection for COVID-19 PCR to include testing for monkeypox. Provista Diagnostics said in a press release both viruses can now be tested from the same saliva sample. The process is for a school with a confirmed monkeypox case in which occupants need testing to contain a potential outbreak.

The service is initially available in Georgia and New Jersey districts where Provista has an established presence and plans are afoot to widen its reach. Gerald Commissiong, CEO of Provista’s parent company Todos Medical, said in the announcement, “COVID-19 remains a major threat to health, especially in children who appear to be at higher risk of developing Long COVID (1 in 4 for children vs. 1 in 5 for adults) and as such it is prudent to conduct screening for COVID-19 alongside any monkeypox outbreak.” Details: globenewswire.com