Last checked at 
(Alliance News) - BATM Advanced Communications Ltd confirmed on Tuesday the effectiveness of its Covid-19 PCR tests in diagnosing the new Omicron strain.
The tests, developed in partnership with Tor Vergata University in Rome, are said to be able to detect all known variants of Covid-19, including the newest strain.
The Israel-headquartered company's molecular diagnostics tests are developed and produced by its Adaltis subsidiary and its PCR kits had already been proven valid against the alpha, beta, gamma and delta variants.
The Omicron variant's mutations can allow it to go undetected or flag a false negatives in competitor tests, the firm said.
The effectiveness of BATM's tests in spotting Omicron cases have been verified by external scientific experts.
"I am pleased to confirm that our Covid-19 RT-PCR tests are effective in accurately detecting all Covid-19 variants, including in those infected with this latest mutation. Viruses constantly change through mutation and our diagnostics platform has been built on our recognition that we must always think of the future. As a result, we were able to rapidly develop Covid-19 tests in response to the outbreak and those kits have been designed to be effective against the emergence of new variants," Chief Executive Zvi Marom said.
Shares in BATM were up 2.7% at 83.40 pence on Tuesday in London.
By Heather Rydings; heatherrydings@alliancenews.com
Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
