Charlotte, N.C.-based OrthoCarolina partnered with MicroGenDX earlier this year for COVID-19 testing, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.
Six things to know:
1. MicroGenDX runs tests for OrthoCarolina's Mallard Creek Surgery Center in Charlotte. In addition to patients scheduled for surgery, the lab runs tests for employees and some family members.
2. The MicroGenDX lab has machines that can process 1,000 samples every hour and 15 minutes. The company can deliver results to patients within about two days.
3. So far, MicroGenDX has run about 170,000 COVID-19 tests. Most of these tests involved asking each patient to cough and spit into a sterile cup.
4. After receiving samples of sputum — a mix of saliva and mucus — MicroGenDX extracts DNA for a polymerase chain reaction test. The PCR test MicroGenDX uses looks at three genes — N1, N2 and N3 — to yield more accurate virus detection than traditional nasal swabs do, according to CEO Rick Martin.
5. MicroGenDX now processes up to 3,000 samples a day, a drastic increase from its usual 400. It spent more than $1 million on inventory before it began processing COVID-19 tests.
6. To avoid overcommitting its resources, MicroGenDX has turned down a lot of contracts, Mr. Martin said.