[Press Release] Beating Covid-19 with testing

Sterling Pathology offers state-of-the-art FDA-approved tests to combat Covid-19

SEAL BEACH, Calif.—Testing is more necessary than ever in the fight against Covid-19. Sterling Pathology, California-based pathology and genomics lab, offers multiple types of Covid-19 tests and is powered by state-of-the-art technology. 

Sterling Pathology has been partnering with businesses, education systems and various organizations to provide timely testing over the last two years. Reports have warned that there could be a testing shortage as testing requirements expand and variants continue to make their way through communities. 

“Testing is more crucial than ever as we continue to battle Covid-19, amid breakthrough cases and emerging variants. Sterling Pathology offers FDA-approved tests and scalable testing,” said Dr. Yang, Sterling Pathology medical director. “There are rapid tests and there are PCR tests. They both have benefits and different costs associated with them.”

The tests Sterling Pathology offers are FDA-authorized for emergency use authorization (EUA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pathology and genomics lab offers tailored programs that allow large organizations like schools, businesses and governments to administer and oversee scalable testing.

Sterling Pathology’s molecular testing is capable of detecting active COVID-19 infections in the human body. Unique genetic markers of the virus can be found in RNA that only remains in the body while the virus invades and replicates itself. The benefits of molecular testing is its sensitivity in detecting active infections, allowing patients to receive appropriate treatment options from their Care Provider, and take measures to prevent spreading the disease.

Sterling Pathology’s testing: 

  • Uses reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to detect viral presence.
  • Test results will be labeled positive, negative, or invalid.
  • The option to retest is available if invalid due to inadequate sampling

Results are typically available within 24-48 hours of samples being received by the lab.

The Sterling Pathology COVID-19 RT-PCR test is a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This method is also called a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). To expand testing capacity Sterling Pathology has invested into highly automated machines, sophisticated reagents and extensive training of technical staff. 

Sterling Pathology National Laboratories announced at the beginning of this year the implementation of an integrated workflow from BGI/MGI and Bio-Rad PCR instrumentation for automating COVID-19 testing. The workflow includes BGI’s Real-time fluorescent RT-PCR kit for SARS-CoV-2 detection as well as MGI’s MGISTP-7000, MGISP-960, and viral RNA extraction kit, bringing rapid, accurate testing capabilities on a massive scale in Sterling Pathology’s state-of-the-art CLIA-certified laboratory.

The RT-PCR kit has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from FDA for testing on commonly used real-time PCR instruments and has shown to outperform in clinical sensitivity. Most recent in silico and functional analysis has also revealed that the mutation in the variant does not impact the kit performance in SARS-CoV-2 detection. In addition, the MGISP-960 based viral RNA extraction is validated and included in the EUA of RT-PCR kit.

About Sterling Pathology

Sterling Pathology National Laboratories strives for the highest standards of laboratory practice and quality. We meet the standards of College of American Pathologists (CAP) and CLIA accreditation by utilizing subspecialty pathologists, trained laboratory professionals, and a dedicated service team to provide excellence in subspecialty pathology. Our mission to be a leader in diagnostic testing is achieved by providing physicians and their patients with superior quality, service, and value. We are committed to providing excellence through advanced techniques which meet clinician needs and optimize individualized patient care.