ImageMover, QuidelOrtho simplify test-to-treat process for pharmacies
ImageMover, a provider of workflow services for pharmacies, is partnering with QuidelOrtho, a provider of point-of-care diagnostic testing solutions, to bring a comprehensive solution for pharmacist-administered testing for a variety of illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza A+B, Lyme disease, strep throat and RSV.
The integrated solution combines QuidelOrtho's Sofia 2 fluorescent immunoassay analyzer, an automated small benchtop system, with Workflow Services to create a one-stop solution for pharmacists.
"With this patient-friendly system, pharmacies can onboard patients 80% faster than with the current manual process and are freed up to focus on what really matters—delivering the best possible patient care," the companies said.
[Read more: Test to treat: Pharmacists nationwide need to have prescriptive authority for COVID-19 antivirals]
Patients complete a short questionnaire and self-register, pharmacists review patient information and perform testing using the Sofia 2 test, and Workflow Services automatically reports the results. If allowed, the pharmacist will dispense medication based on the outcome of the test result.
"This solution addresses major challenges pharmacists face when offering a test-to-treat program, such as lack of staffing and time for complex reporting and record keeping. We're excited to partner with Workflow Services to continue to build comprehensive pharmacy programs for the new age of clinical service providers and to expand access to healthcare, especially in underserved communities," said Cheryl Miller, vice president, retail sales and marketing at QuidelOrtho.
The joint system provides speed, accuracy and security. Sofia 2 provides dual modes for walkaway and batch testing, with results available in 3-15 minutes, depending on the assay. It also offers an expansive test menu, including COVID-19, influenza A+B, Lyme disease, strep throat and RSV. The small instrument size and room-temperature storage of kits make the test suitable for pharmacies, hospitals, urgent care centers and physician offices.
[Read more: President Biden unveils 'test to treat' COVID-19 initiative]
"Care delivery is changing, and consumers are seeking convenient clinical services from pharmacists that normally they might have received from their general practitioner," said Kevin Houlihan, president and CEO of ImageMover. "With QuidelOrtho tests and Workflow Services, pharmacies can confidently expand their care delivery methods with reliable tests and simple workflows."
"The public health benefits of enabling pharmacists to become go-to community healthcare professionals for consumers in need of fast and convenient point-of-care testing and treatment are enormous," Houlihan noted. "We are proud to offer a comprehensive Workflow solution together with QuidelOrtho's easy-to-use Sofia 2 assays for a wide range of viruses and health conditions."