Biodesix begins processing COVID-19 tests

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BOULDER — Lung cancer testing company Biodesix Inc. has begun processing tests for COVID-19 on behalf of state hospitals.

The Boulder-based company said it now has capacity to process up to 1,000 tests per day and report results within 48 hours.

Biodesix worked with California-based Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. (NYSE: BIO) to design a “Droplet Digital PCR” test, which searches for specific genetic material in nose and throat swabs to diagnose diseases. Biodesix already uses Droplet Digital in its own tests to diagnose what type of lung cancer a patient has and what therapies would best treat it.

“It is our belief that introducing the most sensitive test possible will aid in stopping the spread of the virus as it will reduce the number of false negative test results,” Biodesix CEO Scott Hutton said in a prepared statement.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to grant full emergency approval to the device for nationwide use, but Biodesix is allowed to start processing patient samples after the test showed initial validation.

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