Labcorp Launches H5 Bird Flu Test in the U.S., Now Available for Order through Physicians

Rhea-AI Summary

Labcorp (NYSE: LH) has launched a new commercial H5 bird flu molecular test in the United States to diagnose human infections with H5N1 virus. The test development, supported by the CDC, comes amid a multistate outbreak affecting poultry and dairy cows, with recent human cases reported in dairy and poultry workers. Healthcare providers can now order the test for suspected cases, collecting nasopharyngeal swab specimens for PCR analysis.

While current public health risk remains low, the test enhances testing infrastructure and supports public health preparedness. The CDC is monitoring human cases, and the USDA is conducting surveillance of milk supply and dairy herds. This initiative follows Labcorp's previous collaborations with CDC on testing for emerging viruses like Zika, COVID-19, and mpox.

Positive

• Commercial launch of new H5 bird flu diagnostic test expands company's testing portfolio
• Strategic collaboration with CDC strengthens market position in infectious disease testing
• Test addresses emerging market need amid current outbreak in multiple states

Negative

• Test not available in New York State market
• Revenue impact uncertain due to currently low public health risk

New test supports public health preparedness efforts and testing infrastructure amid multistate outbreak of H5 bird flu in poultry and dairy cows

BURLINGTON, N.C., Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, announced today the commercial availability of its new H5 bird flu molecular test to aid in the diagnosis of human infection with H5 bird flu. The test is available in the United States to physicians to order for patients suspected of infection with the H5N1 virus.*

The test launch comes amid a multistate outbreak of H5 bird flu in poultry and dairy cows, with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. While the current public health risk remains low, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring human cases carefully, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is facilitating comprehensive surveillance of the nation's milk supply and dairy herds, and Labcorp's test can be used to evaluate potential human exposure.

Labcorp developed this commercially available test with support from the CDC to increase access and testing capacity to support public health preparedness strategies.

"As we continue to monitor developments related to the H5N1 virus, Labcorp is dedicated to equipping healthcare providers with the critical diagnostic tools they need to address emerging infectious disease threats," said Marcia Eisenberg, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Labcorp. "By leveraging Labcorp's scientific expertise and extensive testing capacity, we are contributing to a proactive public health preparedness strategy, putting testing resources and infrastructure in place to detect and respond to human cases of H5 bird flu."

Healthcare providers suspecting patients of H5 bird flu infection can collect a nasopharyngeal swab specimen at the point of care and submit it to Labcorp for analysis. Labcorp's test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and a specific reagent validated to determine the presence of the H5 virus genetic material. Results are reported to the patient and physician.

Labcorp's collaboration with the CDC on the H5 bird flu test is the latest in a series of collaborations that have provided testing infrastructure and capacity for emerging viruses that cause infectious diseases in humans, including Zika, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and mpox.

To learn more, visit https://www.labcorp.com/tests/140046/influenza-a-and-influenza-b-with-reflex-to-h5-subtyping-naa.

*Test not yet available in New York State.

About Labcorp
Labcorp (NYSE: LH) is a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services that helps doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear and confident decisions. We provide insights and advance science to improve health and improve lives through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug development laboratory capabilities. The company's more than 67,000 employees serve clients in approximately 100 countries, provided support for 84% of the new drugs and therapeutic products approved in 2023 by the FDA, and performed more than 600 million tests for patients around the world. Learn more about us at www.labcorp.com.

 

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SOURCE Labcorp

FAQ

What is Labcorp's new H5 bird flu test and when was it launched?

Labcorp launched a new molecular test for diagnosing human H5 bird flu infections on December 17, 2024. The test uses PCR technology and is commercially available through physicians in the United States.

How does Labcorp's H5N1 test work for patients?

Healthcare providers collect a nasopharyngeal swab specimen from patients suspected of H5 bird flu infection. The specimen is analyzed using PCR technology with specific reagents to detect H5 virus genetic material, and results are reported to both patient and physician.

Where is Labcorp's H5 bird flu test available?

The test is available throughout the United States, except for New York State, and can be ordered by physicians for patients suspected of H5N1 infection.

What is the significance of Labcorp's H5 test amid current outbreaks?

The test supports public health preparedness amid a multistate outbreak of H5 bird flu in poultry and dairy cows, with several human cases reported in U.S. dairy and poultry workers, although current public health risk remains low.

How does this test align with Labcorp's previous infectious disease testing?

This test continues Labcorp's history of CDC collaborations for emerging virus testing, following similar initiatives for Zika, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and mpox viruses.