MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avellino Lab announced the rollout of the new A.C.T.S. Program (Active Coronavirus Testing & Safety) designed to help ophthalmology and other elective surgery and procedure-oriented practices safely reopen and resume care while protecting patients and staff from COVID-19 virus transmission.

Avellino Group Chairman Gene Lee said, “As states ease their shelter-in-place restrictions, we are now entering into a reopen, recover, and protect phase of the fight against Coronavirus. We know testing protocols that identify active COVID-19 virus infections, especially in carriers without symptoms, are essential to protect physicians, staff, and patients. The AvellinoCoV2 genetic test is an RNA-based rapid testing option that can play a vital role in helping medical offices and surgical centers stay safe.”

Miami based ophthalmologist Dr. William B. Trattler, a nationally recognized eye surgeon and author of a popular microbiology textbook, said, “Eye care professionals are on the front lines, as asymptomatic COVID-19 patients requiring eye care may expose practitioners and staff to this highly contagious virus. To limit the spread of COVID-19, the ACTS Program has been developed to identify COVID-19+ patients and employees. While PPE, handwashing, and safe practices help reduce the chance of transmitting the virus, they are not 100% protective. The ACTS Program allows eye care providers to be part of the solution to keep patients and staff safe. The ACTS Program includes routine testing of doctors and staff with an advanced rapid genetic test like AvellinoCoV2, which can effectively identify asymptomatic COVID-19 individuals. As well, the Avellino ACTS Program recommends screening of cataract, glaucoma, and retina surgery patients prior to surgery. The purpose is to ensure that patients undergoing surgery are COVID-19 free, for the safety of the patient, as well that of the staff and surgeons. Increased testing and identification of asymptomatic individuals also helps the overall efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.”

AvellinoCoV2 is an FDA-EUA-authorized SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 test from Avellino Labs and detects COVID-19 by identifying and isolating the genetic markers associated with the virus’s genetic sequence. Tests are performed by swabbing the patient’s throat and nose and then processing the samples at Avellino’s high-complexity CLIA-certified molecular lab. Tests are processed in about one to three hours in the lab, and most results are available within 24 hours. Avellino will start taking orders for the AvellinoCoV2 test on Monday, May 18 and start supplying practices on Thursday, May 21.

To start the ACTS Program: Physicians can call the Avellino Coronavirus hotline at +1 (650) 396-3741, send an email to info@AvellinoCoronaTest.com or visit www.AvellinoCoronaTest.com.

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