We are seeking up to ten (10) facilities within the USA and Canada
to trial LuminUltra’s SARS-CoV-2 rapid surface test to proactively reveal the presence of SARS-CoV-2 through environmental surveillance.
THIS OPPORTUNITY HAS CLOSED.
THANK YOU TO ALL THAT APPLIED.
The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS) is proud to launch a series of studies to evaluate the latest innovations in infection prevention and hygiene monitoring. TIPS is dedicated to not only presenting the latest information, but also putting new technologies to the test to evaluate their real-world potential.
TIPS has created a model of information-sharing that makes the process of vetting new technologies, implementing successful programs and inspiring innovation more efficient, more accessible, more global and more collaborative. Known as TIPS Sudden Science, the program is driven by our firm belief that we should not have to wait years for promising innovations, ideas, and processes to be implemented and accepted. Around the world, our teams develop trials and conduct pilot studies to aid in the discovery of successful research to market technological advancements.
This real-world trial is one step in the vetting and feedback process to ensure that the innovators methods are effective in their intended use and provide value for the end users.
Why TIPS is testing this product
LuminUltra’s GeneCount technology enables non-invasive detection of SARS-CoV-2 risk in a facility through environmental surveillance. This type of proactive surveillance is not a novel concept but has not been implemented at scale prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Embedding the right tools to proactively fight COVID-19 within the facilities that need them the most will help to prove the technologies capabilities and identify its limitations. Successful adoption of qPCR technology will require robust data collection and validation of the technology in real-world settings. However, there is not a lot of public data available to support the technology for its designated purpose, oftentimes since users choose to keep the data private to reduce potential negative media and consumer impacts.
Validation of environmental surveillance will benefit society through proactive detection of disease risk and potentially help reduce disease outbreaks. Moreover, qPCR technology is projected to help not only in the fight against COVID-19, but future pathogens of concerns as well.
Details About this Trial Opportunity
TIPS and LuminUltra Technologies will cover the costs for at least 20 tests per site chosen to participate in this Sudden Science trial. This includes the cost for all sample collection materials, shipping, and lab-based testing of the samples at LuminUltra’s labs. The data will be shared with participating sites, whom may be offered additional follow-up testing services free of charge. At the completion of the trial, should participating sites wish to continue environmental monitoring through qPCR analysis, discounted equipment/service packages will be made available. Although we appreciate all applications, only those with appropriate facilities will be considered. Select users from each site will be asked to fill out questionnaires based on their experience prior to and following the trial period.
TIPS Sudden Science Initiative #1019816 – SARS-CoV-2 Surface Detection
Application at the end of this document
| Innovation | GeneCount environmental monitoring kits for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. Sample collection kits (one piece of the solution) will be supplied to the end-users for collection of surface samples that will be shipped to LuminUltra for RNA extraction and subsequent assay for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace. |
| Co-sponsor | LuminUltra Technologies Ltd. |
| Institutions | Up to 10 different locations will be selected, including hospitals, long term care homes, quarantine facilities (work camps, student dorms, hotels), manufacturing facilities or multi-unit residential buildings. Preference will be given to those facilities that house or have recently housed COVID-19 positive cases. |
| Expected Trial Duration | Involves less than 1 day of participant time to collect and ship the samples. Following the first sample collection event results will be evaluated and the participating location may be asked if they would like subsequent follow-up tests/round(s) to be completed. |
| Commencement Date | Range: July 15, 2021 to August 31, 2021 |
| Requirements | Must have had at least one COVID-19 clinical case confirmed at their facility, ideally within the past week. Ideal facilities would house or see COVID-19 patients (Hospital, LTC communities, remote work camps, quarantine hotels, etc.) on a regular basis. |
| Facility Expectations | Collect samples according to manufacturers instructions and ship them back to testing lab following supplied shipment instructions. Share information on sample locations and the COVID status of the occupants in those locations. |
| Cost | TIPS and the sponsor will provide ALL material costs, including sample shipping costs. |
| Publication | The sponsor company may publish data collected during this trip for use in (but not limited to), case studies and other promotional material. In the event the user does not wish for their name to be used in a publication, generic facility and location identifiers can be used. TIPS will evaluate trial data to determine next steps in providing support and investment of the technology.
TIPS will complete and submit any IRB applications if required |
| Other | Participants are eligible for product/service discounts following the study should they desire to continue testing their facility. This is a no-obligation trial. |
APPLICATION:
THIS OPPORTUNITY HAS CLOSED.
THANK YOU TO ALL THAT APPLIED.
