Pac-12 Partners With Fulgent Genetics To Provide RT-PCR Testing Capabilities

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Pac-12 announced on Wednesday that they have partnered with Fulgent Genetics as part of its on-going health and well-being initiative efforts.

Under the partnership, Fulgent Genetics will provide reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) testing capabilities to supplement existing PCR and antigen to the Pac-12’s partnership with Quidel Corporation, which provides rapid-results testing capabilities.

“We are excited to be partnering with a leading testing company in Fulgent to provide our athletic departments with the very best capabilities to protect the health and well-being of our student-athletes,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott. “On the heels of our agreement with Quidel to provide rapid-results testing, today’s announcement represents another important step in providing a safe and healthy environment for a return to competition for our student-athletes.”

Dr. Doug Aukerman, senior associate athletics director for Oregon State and chair of the Pac-12 SAHWBI (student-athlete health and well being initiative added: “Providing additional resources at the level of what Fulgent Genetics offers is a tremendous addition for our athletics departments and staff as we continue to strive for the most secure and safe environment for our student-athletes’ return to play.”

NEWS: Today we've announced a new partnership with Fulgent Genetics for additional RT-PCR COVID-19 testing capabilities across the conference.

Full info ➡️ https://t.co/h1gYDRpEU4#BackThePac

— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) September 30, 2020

“Routine, rapid testing is playing a key role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and is helping to keep players, coaches and staff safe as they look to return to competition. The Pac-12 has implemented several protocols in this area, and the RT-PCR testing provided by Fulgent Genetics is an important part of this process,” said Brandon Perthuis, Chief Commercial Officer of Fulgent Genetics. “RT-PCR is regarded as the gold standard in COVID-19 testing, providing the highest level of sensitivity and specificity. At Fulgent, we have built technology platforms around our test to make it scalable for the Pac-12, which allows us to deliver results within 24 hours of receipt of the sample for testing. We are excited to partner with the Pac-12 and look forward to helping keep their athletic programs running safely.”

All 12 members of the conference has RT-PCR testing practices and protocols in place for their athletics departments. The new partnership with Fulgent Genetics will be able to serve as a supplemental resource for each department. The RT-PCR testing program from Fulgent Genetics will be driven by the new Fulgent Enterprise COVID-19 Screening Platform, which provides an end-to-end solution for routine and repeat testing, including onsite testing for student-athletes and staff, 24-hour results and mobile delivery and interface.

For more information about COVID-19 testing options from Fulgent Genetics please visit fulgentgenetics.com/COVID19.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.