The Health Alliance, a leader in innovative and value based healthcare has officially announced the successful laboratory validation of a Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Assay for human diagnostics in one of its national laboratories.
According to certain reports, the stated development comes on the back of Health Alliance’s partnership with ThermoFisher Scientific. During the course of this partnership, the two companies effectively combined their expertise in clinical diagnostics and cutting-edge technology to reach upon the eventual innovation.
To understand the significance of such a development, though, we must take into account how US is currently reeling from a significant outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1), which is commonly known as bird flu. Thus far, the bird flu has gone on to cause substantial impacts on both public health and the economy.
You see, the H5N1 virus has already infected a broader range of species, including mammals such as dairy cows and seals, raising concerns about its potential to realize further permutations and affect an even wider spectrum.
Surely, human infections remain rare and primarily linked to direct contact with infected animals, but health experts across the board stressed the importance of preventive measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling birds, washing hands, and avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products.
In fact, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first severe human case of H5N1 in US, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. The idea behind taking such a dramatic measure was giving government agencies with the necessary resources and flexibility to respond effectively against the outbreak.
The stated response includes facilitating increased monitoring and coordinated efforts to contain the virus and keep the public informed.
More on the ongoing situation would reveal that, with poultry industry severely affected, the crisis has caused wholesale egg prices to breach unprecedented levels, with large eggs costing $5.57 per dozen in the Midwest and $8.85 in California. On an average, the average retail price of eggs is understood to be around $3.60 per dozen.
Fortunately enough, Health Alliance’s now validated test can tread up a long distance to improve the picture with more accurate diagnostics.
Talk about the stated technology on slightly deeper level, we begin from its cutting-edge nature. In essence, The Health Alliance Bird Flu Assay arrives on the scene with an ability to leverage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect the presence of avian influenza virus in human samples, and it does that at high precision and speed.
Next up, we must get into the solution’s rigorous validation process. We get to say so because, as a College of American Pathologist (CAP) accredited laboratory, the Health Alliance would make a point to conduct an extensive validation process, all for the purpose of ensuring that the assay meets the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability.
Then, there is the promise to deliver an enhanced public health response. For better understanding, we must take into account how it’s absolutely critical to detect Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) in humans at an early stage. Keeping that in mind, the validated PCR assay is designed to facilitate quick identification, something which allows for the administration of prompt and proper treatment.
Rounding up highlights would be the technology’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Basically, by bringing such a setup into the mix, the Health Alliance has ensured the overall improvement in healthcare diagnostic science, while simultaneously improving patient care through cutting-edge technology and stringent quality standards.
“The successful validation of The Health Alliance Bird Flu Assay for human diagnostics is a testament to the incredible team we have. Our Scientific Leadership Team continues to be on the cutting edge of laboratory science” said Steve Hoover, VP of Laboratory operations of The Health Alliance. “This advanced diagnostic tool represents a significant advancement in our ability to detect and respond to Bird Flu infections in humans, ultimately protecting public health and saving lives.”
