Mediflex seeks approval for test to detect COVID variants

Mediflex is braced to begin conducting clinical genomic sequencing – a powerful test that can detect COVID-19 variants – as soon as it receives approval from the Maldivian government. 

Maldives currently sends samples for genomic sequencing to neighboring India. It takes two-three weeks to receive results. 

Mediflex – a subsidiary of large-scale medical supplies distributor Medtech Maldives – said it will be conducting the test in collaboration with Illumina – a top US biotech company. 

Mediflex said that it has already completed many of the preparations needed to begin genomic sequencing. Top Illumina officials visited Maldives and trained Mediflex’s staff. And the company conducted genomic sequencing on 24 samples in its lab in a test round last week. 

Mediflex said it will begin genomic sequencing as soon as it receives approval from the Health Ministry. 

The first confirmed case of the Omicron variant in Maldives – announced by Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Sunday – was also detected during a test round by Mediflex. 

Mediflex said its biggest objective is to introduce new services in Maldives. The company said that genomic sequencing will reduce the time it takes for results from two weeks to two days. 

Mediflex’s Genome Sequencing Section, in addition to offering detection of COVID-19 variants, will also offer detection of strains of diseases such as cancer, and genealogical DNA test.