The ability of the autonomous communities to carry out diagnostic tests for COVID-19 using the RT-PCR technique (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain reaction), is one of the main factors to ensure progress in the de-escalation towards the new normality projected by the government. Carrying out PCR tests is essential so that the infections remain at the local level, minimising the effect of a possible upsurge. It is about preventing residual transmission chains from becoming a serious second wave.

These tests have a sensitivity of 99% and detect the presence of coronaviruses in individuals with active infection. It is, today, the most reliable test to detect asymptomatic people or those who are in the days prior to the onset of symptoms, as well as to confirm infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The certification granted by the Carlos III Health Institute, under the Ministry of Science and Innovation, allows the laboratory to provide support to the Department of Universal and Public Health of the Valencian Government in the analysis of tests from the Valencian Community hospitals. “In 24 hours we can send test results to the Health Department so that they can be communicated to patients and act according to protocol”, say José Luis García, executive director of EpiDisease, and Salvador Mena and Federico Pallardó, professors in the Physiology department of the University of Valencia (UV), who are responsible for the implementation of this initiative.

Located at the Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology (ICBibe) of the University of Valencia, in the Science Park of the academic institution, the laboratory has an automated RNA extraction robot and a PCR machine, which allow the analysis of 1,200 samples daily.

The new service starts from a collaboration between the UV and the biotechnology company for the joint start-up of the laboratory. “From the beginning of this crisis and in line with the commitment of responsibility and transfer of knowledge to society, the University of Valencia is providing all possible resources to collaborate with health authorities in overcoming this pandemic”, says the vice-rector of Innovation and Transfer of the academic institution, María Dolores Real. “Making available to the Ministry of Health a laboratory with the required level of biosecurity and doing it with a spin-off recognised by our institution is a matter of social responsibility”, she said.

EpiDisease is a spin-off of the University of Valencia dedicated to epigenetic research and also installed in the Science Park. The company develops innovative services and products for the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. It is currently part of the private group Alianza COVID-19, made up of biotech companies and laboratories with experience in PCR diagnostics, with the aim of uniting their capabilities to offer reliable tests of COVID-19 on a massive scale.