The world is in constant threat of pandemics. Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus virus in 2019 (COVID-19), Monkeypox raised its ugly head in many countries in 2022. Recently, a series of local Melioidosis cases have been reported in Hong Kong, and the causative pathogens, Burkholderia pseudomallei, have been found in environmental soil and water samples from the hardest hit districts.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
The causative pathogen of COVID-19 is the novel coronavirus, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 can survive outside the human body at ambient temperature. In studies carried out by the School of Public Health of HKU, SARS-CoV-2 is found to be able to attach onto various material surfaces, and some up to 7 days.
Monkeypox Virus (MPXV)
The causative agent of monkeypox is monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is a lethal pathogen. In addition to direct human-to-human transmission, monkeypox can also be transmitted indirectly through clothing or linens (such as bedding or towels) used by infected individuals. Reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in United States, this group of viruses can live for more than two weeks after a patient’s home has been left unoccupied.
Burkholderia Pseudomallei
Melioidosis is a disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei). This bacterium is commonly found in soil and muddy water, especially moist clay. Infection can occur through inhalation of contaminated fine dust or aerosols, consumption of contaminated water, or direct contact (especially through skin wounds) with contaminated soil and water sources.
In order to cope with the threat of these pathogens to the community, STC is now offering a convenient, safe and fast testing service for individuals or groups in general. We are now providing multiple targeted routine monitoring for the environment of different groups to reduce the risk of infections.
With reference to the recommended reagent kits and methodologies, pathogen’s DNA / RNA will be extracted and tested with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) -based detection methods once the samples are sent to our testing laboratory. Clients can receive electronic test reports within 72 hours.
Samples and Detection Methods：
|
Testing Item |
Sample Submission Type |
Detection Method |
|
SARS-CoV-2 |
Environmental surface swab kit provided by STC* |
one-step real-time RT-qPCR |
|
MPXV |
Environmental surface swab kit provided by STC* |
Real-time PCR |
|
B. pseudomallei |
Water, Soil |
Conventional PCR |
*STC’s Environmental surface Swab Kit comes with an individually packed sterilized swab for surface sampling at your convenience,a PrimeStore® MTM¹ solution for storage, safe transport and testing under FDA² and US CDC³ biosafety guideline.
This new service can also offers the following additional tests on provided samples upon request:
- Flu A
- Flu B
- Enterovirus
- Other Pathogens
STC reserves all rights of final decision
Purchase Swab Kit Procedure and Pick-up Locations:
Visit STC and purchase directly during office hours or contact us at +852 2666 1839 / 2666 1887
Tai Po Head Office (10 Dai Wang Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate)ˆ
ˆOffice Hours (Except Public Holiday): Mon to Fri from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Payment Method:
- Cash
- Bank in slip (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC): 037-089562-838 (HKD)
- Faster Payment System (FPS): 4542734
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Application Form for COVID-19 and Monkeypox Virus Testing
Application Form for Burkholderia Pseudomallei Testing
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| User Manual |
Test Sampling (in Chinese)
PrimeStore® MTM¹ is registered trade mark under Longhorn’s FDA cleared technologies that inactivates the pathogens collected on the swabs and quickly stabilizes the DNA and RNA for qPCR testing and even sequencing. Providing safe samples for laboratory technicians to test.
FDA²: The Food and Drug Administration
US CDC³: U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention
For more information about Environmental Novel Coronavirus / Monkeypox Virus/ Burkholderia Pseudomallei Test, please feel free to Contact Us.
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