loader image
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
81.7 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

New technology to detect COVID-19 variants

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

The City of Laredo Health Department acquired new technology, Ion Torrent Genexus Integrated Sequencer, a New Generation Sequencer (NGS) that will help detect new variants and mutations in viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Courtesy Image
The City of Laredo Health Department acquired new technology, Ion Torrent Genexus Integrated Sequencer, a New Generation Sequencer (NGS) that will help detect new variants and mutations in viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Courtesy Image

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -

LAREDO, Texas – The City of Laredo Health Department acquired new technology, Ion Torrent Genexus Integrated Sequencer, a New Generation Sequencer (NGS) that will help detect new variants and mutations in viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

The (NGS) is capable of classifying substantial volumes of DNA in parallel. The sequencer is able to successfully detect any pathogen – bacteria, fungal and virus– making it relevant in several medical laboratory disciplines. In short, the new sequencing technology can read and assess an array of DNA data in an efficient matter. In addition, this new technology provides an advanced workflow improving the reproducibility of results and increasing the efficiency of the work done by our laboratory. 

Courtesy Image

Due to the virus’s mutation nature, new variants emerge every so often, and the fear of variants going undetected is a worry for our community. Detecting these variants promptly is crucial for epidemiological surveillance and studies. With this technology, the Laredo Health Department will be able to efficiently report newly detected variants with an approximate 24-hour turnaround rate per sample processed. In addition, the sequencer will create a collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services and other health departments in the area. 

- Advertisement -

“The City of Laredo Health Department is committed to serving the Laredo and south Texas communities, says Raul Soto, Chief of Laboratory Services at the health department. “Having access to this sequencer allows the health department to better serve patients by identifying not only possible COVID-19 variants but other pathogens as well.” Richard A. Chamberlain, DrPH, MPH, RS, Health Director, shared his excitement to bring this new innovation to Laredo, “We are the first in south Texas to acquire this technology which will not only benefit our community but our entire region of south Texas.”

The key benefits of the NGS are:

·       Identifying variants of concern

·       Increasing epidemiological surveillance

- Advertisement -

·       Detecting and isolating individuals of public health concerns.

It is important to note that not all data collected by our lab will be sequenced because all samples must meet a critical threshold in order to run through the sequencing machine. The City of Laredo Health Department will run as many sequences as possible.  

The device will tentatively be ready to begin to provide data in January 2022. 

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Cutting-Edge Cochlear Implant Surgery & Activation is a Family Affair at DHR Health

Mega Doctor News Bill Perry, 83, had struggled with hearing loss for...

STHS McAllen Validated as a Gluten-Free Safe Spot

Mega Doctor News Improved public awareness, increased diagnostic testing and continued changes in the environment and the diet of Americans...

Mayo Clinic study reveals hidden causes of heart attacks in younger adults, especially women

Mega Doctor News By Terri Malloy / Mayo Clinic News Network ROCHESTER, Minn....

STHS ‘Step Out PAD’ Walkathon to Raise Awareness for Peripheral Artery Disease, Sept. 23rd

Mega Doctor News If you suffer from unexplained pain, cramping or heaviness in the legs...
- Advertisement -
×