~Just in Time for The Worst of Flu Season and Second Wave of Coronavirus~
GREENVILLE, SC Jan. 6 – Along with temperatures dropping and COVID-19 cases resurging, this 2020 fall and winter also ushers in flu season, heightening the chances that a patient may be infected not only with strands of the flu or COVID-19, but could be experiencing a coinfection of both. Now, Premier Medical Laboratory Services (PMLS), a leading molecular diagnostics laboratory, is offering a test that can detect or rule out SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Influenza A, and Influenza B along with RSV with a single nasal swab to help fight the possibility of what some have called, a “twindemic.”
“Many of the symptoms of COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV are the similar since they are all respiratory viruses,” said Kevin Murdock Founder of Premier Medical Laboratory Services. “We know the last thing a patient wants, who already doesn’t feel well, is to have to provide multiple samples and to wait for various test results to come back. We always strive not only to provide the most accurate, cutting edge diagnostic testing, but also to keep the quality of the patient experience in mind.”
With the recent increase in coronavirus cases, the CDC’s latest forecast predicts that up to 2,300,000 new cases will be reported by the week ending in December 12, 2020. PMLS has prepared for this new surge in cases and is now a leading laboratory in the nation for COVID-19 testing with the capacity to process up to 300,000 tests per day. As an award winning lab, they have some of the quickest result turnaround times available, with 92% of their test results provided in under 24 hours.
“Timing is an extremely important element in regaining control over this pandemic,” said Murdock. “The ability to test patients simultaneously for each of these respiratory viruses will help to save time for healthcare professionals so that they’ll know as soon as possible the proper plan to aid their patients back to health. Knowing sooner which courses of action to take could be critical for a patient and for our nation as a whole during this winter.”
A patient can request from their healthcare provider that PMLS’ multiplex test is available at their hospital or doctor’s office.