Roche debuts new T-cell response-charting Elecsys diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2

Roche Diagnostics announced a new test for its line-up this week to offer additional means for decision-making and treatment options surrounding SARS-CoV-2, particularly in at-risk patient groups.

The Elecsys IGRA SARS-CoV-2 test focuses on the T-cell response to offer a potentially better understanding of whether immune protection has been achieved, be it through past exposure to the virus or COVID-19 vaccination. It will be available in countries that accept the CE Mark and runs on cobas e 411, e 601/602, e 402, and e 801 analyzers.

“The Elecsys IGRA SARS-CoV-2 test can provide a deeper understanding into immune response,” Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics, said. “This, in turn, may help to understand and identify those at higher risk of progressing to severe disease during an existing or future infection. This is particularly important in immunocompromised and high-risk patient groups that represent up to 20 percent in a given population. The test results can help healthcare professionals to provide them with long-term guidance like appropriate treatment.”

According to Roche, this newest test was developed because of increasing evidence that measuring the complementary T-cell response could play a critical role in determining the overall protection level against SARS-CoV-2. It also could help to better understand the adaptive response of the human immune system to the virus, as an effective antiviral immune response requires coordinated T (target infected cells) and B (produce antibodies to neutralize viruses) cell activities. Most tests utilize antibody testing to measure antibody-mediated immunity instead.