DGAP-News

Highlights from SYNLAB Germany | SYNLAB supports the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia with regular lollipop-PCR-tests for pupils at elementary and specialist schools

DGAP-News: SYNLAB AG / Key word(s): Product Launch/Alliance Highlights from SYNLAB Germany | SYNLAB supports the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia with regular lollipop-PCR-tests for pupils at elementary and specialist schools 07.05.2021 / 12:00 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. SYNLAB Holding Germany GmbH Gubener Straße 39 86156 Augsburg Press release

Highlights from SYNLAB Germany | SYNLAB supports the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia with regular lollipop-PCR-tests for pupils at elementary and specialist schools

• For the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), SYNLAB will regularly test pupils for SARS-CoV-2 using PCR-based lollipop tests
• Simple and time-saving sampling in schools under the supervision of teachers enable safe schooling during pandemic
• PCR-pooling-method ensures efficiency and high accuracy

SYNLAB, the largest European clinical laboratory and medical diagnostic services provider, together with other laboratories from NRW, will regularly provide screenings for pupils in North Rhine-Westphalia with the so-called lollipop-PCR-tests. Starting 10 May 2021, pupils at elementary and specialist schools will have the opportunity to do such a test twice a week. For this purpose, the individual samples will be analysed through the PCR-pooling-method. This set-up was agreed upon in a joint decision by the laboratories and the State Ministry for School and Education of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Due to the simple sample collection and the efficient and very accurate PCR-pooling-method, the lollipop-PCR-test is particularly well suited for use in schools. For sampling, pupils suck on a cotton swab for about 30 seconds. Then, up to 15 swabs are collected in a so-called pool tube. If there are more than 15 pupils in one class, additional swabs are collected in another pool tube. Thereafter, a logistics service picks up the samples directly at the schools and brings them straight to the laboratories for examination. Results are available the next morning.