Novacyt, a clinical diagnostics speicalist, has expanded its VersaLab portfolio with the launch of VersaLab Portable to provide an additional level of support in near-patient testing environments.

VersaLab was launched in December 2020 to support private sector testing of infectious diseases, initially focused on COVID-19. Novacyt added to the VersaLab portfolio in March 2021 with the launch of VersaLab mobile processing laboratories. 

Novacyt believes that VersaLab Portable is an important addition to its commercial strategy as the company looks to expand its reach in private sector testing, especially in overseas markets. The product is a “PCR lab in a box” and as such comes with all the equipment required to provide near-patient PCR testing using Novacyt’s PROmate workflow in non-clinical settings, such as offices and workplaces.

VersaLab Portable has been designed specifically with a focus on small to medium organisations, which represent a growing market opportunity for Novacyt. Other potential applications include sport events and facilities, education facilities, the leisure industry, humanitarian bases and retail.

PROmate is a rapid direct-to-PCR COVID-19 assay approved by the Department of Health and Social Care’s Technology Validation Group. PROmate’s workflow allows Novacyt to provide rapid results to patients in under 80 minutes.

Graham Mullis, chief executive officer of Novacyt, said: “When we launched VersaLab our aim was to bring PCR technology closer to patients. The initial market response to the portfolio is encouraging and the Company looks to increase its promotion during the second half of 2021. With VersaLab Portable we can broaden access to affordable testing in areas that lack the infrastructure of laboratory-based testing whilst still providing optimum results from gold standard PCR reagents. We believe that VersaLab Portable can support organisations, including small to medium businesses, offer onsite testing as lockdowns begin to ease internationally.”