CORONAVIRUS

Salt Lake City Team Working To Combat Coronavirus

Feb 6, 2020, 10:54 PM | Updated: Feb 17, 2020, 10:16 am

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Thousands of miles from the center of the epidemic, a team at a small lab in Salt Lake City is jumping into the fight to help stop the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.

“Tech like this is really the first step in confronting the spread of a disease like this,” said Andrew Benson, head of corporate communications at Co-Diagnostics.

Inside the laboratory, lab analyst Madison Stark is monitoring a machine as it extracts samples for the coronavirus. For two weeks she and her colleagues have worked to design a test to speed up the process to detect the disease that, at last check, had spread to more than 25 countries, infected tens of thousands and killed more than 600 people.

“This is one that came in acutely and we had to act immediately,” Stark said. “It’s our technology that is very specific. It’s very easy to generate.”

“You can only treat people accurately if you know what they have to begin with,” Benson said.

The process begins with collecting five microliters of a human sample, like saliva or blood. The sample is carefully placed into tiny tubes which are put into the company’s small Co-Dx box, that can be used “basically anywhere,” according to Stark. It then goes through a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which makes copies of the DNA and amplifies it.

“What it does is it runs through a series of temperatures. And that’s what makes the DNA break apart and then come back together and then break apart,” Stark said.

The results come in. And the user can see who has the coronavirus and who doesn’t.

“You could conceivably go from sample to result in the space of about two hours or less,” Benson said.

Amid an outbreak overseas, time matters. Which is why Co-Diagnostics hopes to have their test in the hands of those who need it in no time. “Hopefully to be able to do some good in these areas where the panic is growing and there doesn’t seem to be any slowdown,” Benson said.

According to a statement from Co-Diagnostics, “its research use only (RUO) CoPrimer™ test for the 2019-nCoV coronavirus is ready for sale to appropriate laboratories, hospitals, and institutions in need of a solution to the current coronavirus epidemic.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

15 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Salt Lake City Team Working To Combat Coronavirus