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COVID-19 RT-PCR Testing

AIM Laboratories has been on the forefront of efforts to combat COVID-19 from the onset of the pandemic. AIM Labs was one of the first facilities to be designated by the State of Missouri as an official COVID-19 testing site, and has worked tirelessly with the St Louis community to ensure each individual receives the highest quality test, fastest delivery of results, and 24/7 access to customer support. Having conducted more than 1,000,000 COVID-19 tests in the St. Louis area, AIM Labs is committed to providing each healthcare professional and patient personalized service to help us navigate through this unprecedented time.

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Providing Fast, Accurate and Insightful COVID-19 Testing

Rapid results

  • 12-24 hours from the time the sample is received at the lab

Online Reports

  • Providing patients immediate online access to their Covid-19 RT-PCR results with a barcode included for confirmation of results

Specimen Collection

  • Nasopharyngeal (Shallow Nasal Swab)

24-hour access to AIM Labs support team

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COVID-19 Test Panels

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(COVID-19) RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 Test

This test detects the presence of the underlying virus that causes COVID-19.

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Physicians and other healthcare providers anywhere in the U.S. can order Coronavirus (COVID-19) SARS CoV-2 test. The test detects the presence of the underlying virus that causes COVID-19.

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Turn-around Time (TAT): 24 Hours

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Most tests are returned in 24-hours, defined as the usual number of days from the date specimen is received at the lab for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

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Specimen Requirements


Nasopharyngeal (NP) or oropharyngeal (OP) swab in viral transport medium, NP or OP washes/aspirates in sterile cups, bronchial washings or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens in sterile cups

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Volume Ranges

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Min 0.5 mL to Max 1.0 mL

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Collection


To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.

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Storage Instructions


Frozen (preferred), refrigerated (if received within 72 hours).

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Causes for Rejection

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Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips; swabs with wooden shafts; refrigerated samples greater than 72 hours old; room temperature specimen submitted; improperly labeled; grossly contaminated; broken or leaking transport device; collection with substances inhibitory to PCR including heparin, hemoglobin, ethanol, EDTA concentrations >0.01M

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RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 INFLUENZA RSV Panel

This test simultaneously detects COVID-19, influenza A / B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The single-panel test, which detects multiple types of infections, can help doctors diagnose patients and make decisions about treatment options.

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Turn-around Time (TAT): 24 Hours

​

Most tests are returned in 24-hours, defined as the usual number of days from the date specimen is received at the lab for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

​

Specimen Requirements


Nasopharyngeal (NP) or oropharyngeal (OP) swab in viral transport medium, NP or OP washes/aspirates in sterile cups, bronchial washings or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens in sterile cups

​

Volume Ranges


Min 0.5 mL to Max 1.0 mL

​

Collection


To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.

​

Storage Instructions


Frozen (preferred), refrigerated (if received within 72 hours).

​

Causes for Rejection

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Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips; swabs with wooden shafts; refrigerated samples greater than 72 hours old; room temperature specimen submitted; improperly labeled; grossly contaminated; broken or leaking transport device; collection with substances inhibitory to PCR including heparin, hemoglobin, ethanol, EDTA concentrations >0.01M

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SARS COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST

When the rate of false negatives and false positives is high, antibody testing is often the answer. Antibodies are the body’s way of remembering how it responded to an infection so it can attack again if exposed to the same pathogen. AIM Labs provides antibody (serological) tests for SARS COVID-19 Antibody Total. These tests are intended for individuals who may have had COVID-19 symptoms but are no longer symptomatic. The test is designed to help determine if a patient has been exposed to the COVID-19 and if the patient has developed antibodies against the virus.

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Why is anbody testing important?

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If a person has antibodies in their blood, that means they have immune cells available to fight the virus, which lowers the risk of getting sick. IgM and IgG are the key antibodies in your body that can tell you what YOUR individual status is after being COVID

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The science behind antibody testing.

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IgM is the antibody that appears in the body once symptoms are detected. This indicates infection has ACTUALLY taken place. This is a great test to rule out any possibility of false results due to any reason.

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IgG is the antibody that your body generates after infection and IgM disappears indicating your body now has antibody resistance to the virus. Once IgG appears, you can feel safe going back to work, school and your normal life. This also makes you a great candidate for serum donation for assisting other patients with treatment.

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AIM Laboratories can help.

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AIM is an industry leader in antibody testing equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate and reliable results. Our technology uses a fully automated chemiluminescence platform to test blood specimens by treatment and light generation proportional to the concentration of SARS COVID-19 Antibody Total antibodies.

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How is AIM Laboratories different?

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Our technology is highly specific to the COVID-19 target. Our testing yields ZERO cross reactions and ZERO false positives caused by coronaviruses other than COVID-19, a phenomenon many other laboratory platforms are struggling with.

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COVID-19 VARIANT TESTING

According to the CDC, there has been nearly 2,000 reported cases of COVID-19 variants across 45 states. AIM Labs utilizes ThermoFisher’s TaqMan™ SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel capable of detecting up to five known COVID-19 mutations that are included in the most common variants, including: Del69/70, N501Y, P681H, E484K, K417N in the SARS-CoV-2.

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  • The United Kingdom (UK) variant called B.1.1.7 that began with a large number of mutations in the fall of 2020.

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  • The South African variant called B.1.351 that emerged independently of B.1.1.7 and was originally detected in early October 2020. Cases caused by this variant have been reported in the US at the end of January 2021.

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  • The Brazilian variant called P.1 that was first identified in travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at an airport in Japan, in early January. This variant was first detected in the US at the end of January 2021.

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Provider FAQs

CDC Guidance For At-Risk Patients

CDC recommends some patient populations are at higher risk of getting very sick from this COVID-19 illness. This includes:

  • Older adults

  • People who have chronic medical conditions like:

    • Heart disease

    • Diabetes

    • Lung diseases

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If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

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Bacterial
 

Escherichia coli
Haemophilus influenzae
Klebsiella oxytoca
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Staphylococcus spp.
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B)
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A)

Fungal

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Candida albicans
Candida spp.

Antibiotic Resistance


Vancomycin Resistance genes
Methicillin resistance gene
Tetracycline resistance genes
SHV, KPC Groups (Class A beta lactamase)

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Does the AIM test include new strains of the virus?

According to the CDC, there has been nearly 2,000 reported cases of COVID-19 variants across 45 states. AIM Labs utilizes ThermoFisher’s TaqMan™ SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel capable of detecting up to five known COVID-19 mutations that are included in the most common variants, including: Del69/70, N501Y, P681H, E484K, K417N in the SARS-CoV-2.

​

  • The United Kingdom (UK) variant called B.1.1.7 that began with a large number of mutations in the fall of 2020.

  • The South African variant called B.1.351 that emerged independently of B.1.1.7 and was originally detected in early October 2020. Cases caused by this variant have been reported in the US at the end of January 2021.

  • The Brazilian variant called P.1 that was first identified in travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at an airport in Japan, in early January. This variant was first detected in the US at the end of January 2021.

Mobile Testing Site

What is the difference between the three AIM COVID-19 tests offered?

COVID-19 IgG and IgM Antibody Serology Testing

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  • The SARS-CoV-2 Serology Antibody IgG and IgM Immunoassay detects antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an individual’s blood. This test can help identify a previous infection to SARS-CoV-2.

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​SARS CoV 2, Influenza, RSV Panel

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  • ​This panel is a multiplexed real time RT-PCR test for the simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in nasopharyngeal swab, nasal swab (any other method?).

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Patient FAQs

Where can I learn more about COVID-19?

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What is the AIM COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibody test?

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  • The COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibody test will check your blood to look for antibodies (immunoglobulins, IgG and IgM). This may tell you if you had a previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. Having antibodies to this virus may prevent you from getting infected with the virus again. However, there is not enough information known as to how much protection or for what length of time the protection may last.

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Is AIM’s COVID-19 test approved by the FDA?

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  • The AIM COVID-19 test is authorized under FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). In vitro diagnostic tests (IVD) made available under an EUA have not undergone the same review as an FDA-approved or cleared IVD. This test is authorized for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency declaration by federal regulators.

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Do I need to be tested more than once?

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  • If you receive a positive for COVID-19, you may need to receive additional testing to determine when you can leave self-isolation. Check with your healthcare provider on recommendations for further testing.

  • If you receive a negative result for COVID-19, you may still become infected with the virus in the future. Testing may be recommended if you develop symptoms or are exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

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What does a positive result mean?

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  • If you test positive for COVID-19, it means you were infected at the time the sample was collected. This also means that you currently have COVID-19. Preventive measures should be taken to avoid the spread of disease including: self-isolation with the exception of seeking medical care, monitoring symptoms, cleaning all “high-touch” surfaces every day, frequent hand washing, covering any coughs and sneezes, and wearing a cloth covering over your nose and mouth. Check with your healthcare provider, and local authorities regarding progression of symptoms and the discontinuation of home isolation.

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What is the sample type for this test?

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  • The AIM COVID-19 test is available via a nasopharyngeal swab, lower nasal swab, and a throat swab.

  • The AIM COVID-19 Antibody test requires a blood sample.

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How long does it take to get my COVID-19 results?

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Results take 24-48 hours.

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How will I receive my results?

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Your results can be viewed at: https://copia.aimlaboratories.net/

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