Adam Bonislawski

Even before Omicron, rapid tests have had difficulty picking up SARS-CoV-2 at the earliest stages of infection, a gap in performance the new variant could exploit.

Seven proteomics firms, ranging from tools companies to diagnostics outfits, listed on public markets in 2021 in a sign of growing interest in the space.

While the year wasn't without challenges, rising valuations, a recovery in routine test volumes, and expansion into new, lucrative areas bode well for the lab business.

Observers expect that any reform will involve moving to a sampling-based approach to price data collection, which could ensure broader representation of lab pricing.

The agency announced last month that it provided $175 million to seven states and localities to either build, expand, or renovate public health laboratory space.

While molecular testing will provide the definitive answer, analysis of the variant's mutations suggest most rapid antigen tests will still pick up the virus.

The rule calls for using payors' median in-network rates as benchmarks in arbitration, a move labs fear could undermine their negotiating leverage with insurers.

A pair of projects funded by the agency are fleshing out the data available on how people use home-based antigen tests and how they compare to lab testing.

The RADx-led effort will provide validation and clinical studies to help speed tests available at scale outside the US through the FDA's regulatory process.

In one example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina cut $112 million in lab spending in 2020 through work with benefits manager Avalon Healthcare Solutions.