AvellinoCoV2 Genetic Test Included in OC Health Care Agency OC COVID-19 Testing Network Launch

Genetic Test Has Roots In California’s Eye Care Industry

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Avellino announced today that it has partnered with the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) to launch the OC COVID-19 Testing Network. This network offers COVID-19 testing to Orange County, California residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but are unable to receive testing through a health care provider. The AvellinoCoV2 rapid genetic test’s development roots are strongly connected to Orange County and California’s eye care industry.

AvellinoCoV2 is an FDA EUA-authorized SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 test from Avellino Labs and detects the SARS-CoV-2 virus in patients with or without symptoms by identifying and isolating the genetic markers associated with the virus’ genetic RNA sequence. Tests samples are processed at Avellino’s high-complexity, CLIA-certified molecular lab. Results can be available the same day or the next day in most cases.

Jim Mazzo, long-time Orange County resident and Avellino Board Member, said the AvellinoCoV2 genetic test capabilities actually have their roots in eye care. Mazzo stated, “Much of the expertise in testing technology applied to the AvellinoCoV2 test comes from the Avellino’s work in genetic testing for corneal diseases. The eye care community, of which Orange County is a major hub, can take great pride in knowing that work done over the past decade was able to be quickly translated to help with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Dr. Nichole Quick, Orange County Health Officer described the OC COVID-19 Testing Network approach, “We have partnered with an initial set of community health centers who are performing FDA-approved PCR testing, the most reliable testing available to detect current infection. The OC Health Care Agency will continue to work diligently to expand this network by bringing more locations online in the days and weeks to come.”

Orange County residents who think that they have COVID-19 symptoms and cannot access COVID-19 testing through their regular medical provider can get testing through the OC COVID-19 Testing Network. Those who are unable to be tested by their provider may schedule an appointment at any Network testing site. Initial testing locations include:

• AltaMed Medical Group, Anaheim
• AltaMed Medical Group, Santa Ana/Bristol
• Nhan Hoa Comprehensive Health Care Clinic, Garden Grove
• UCI Health, multiple locations

A continually-updated list of test sites, with information on scheduling and the appointment process, can be found at www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus (click on COVID-19 Testing and Screening) or by calling the HCA’s Health Referral Line at 1(800) 564-8448.

Avellino Group Chairman Gene Lee said, “We are very pleased to partner with another public response team like the OC HCA to help expand community testing capabilities and help more people get tested for active SARS-CoV-2 infection – our goal is to make testing available to everyone and help the nation stay safe and quickly recover from this pandemic.”

Helpline For Healthcare Providers And Public Health Officials – Health systems, medical practices, labs, and public health officials can get further information on the AvellinoCoV2 test by contacting Avellino’s Coronavirus hotline at +1 (650) 396-3741 or by email at info@AvellinoCoronaTest.com. You can also visit www.AvellinoCoronaTest.com.

About Avellino - Avellino Lab USA, Inc. is a global leader in gene therapy and molecular diagnostics and is at the forefront of precision medicine for eye care. The company is pioneering CRISPR gene editing to manage and potentially cure inherited diseases. Beyond the Avellino CoV2 test, Avellino recently launched AvaGen, the world’s first DNA test to confirm the presence of genetic indicators that are positively associated with corneal dystrophies and keratoconus genetic risk factors. Avellino is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, with operations in Korea, Japan, China, and the UK.

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