In the world of diagnostic tests for COVID-19, there are two main approaches: PCR tests, which detect the presence of the live virus; and serology tests, which detect antibodies that indicate whether someone has recovered from the disease.

But could there be a third way? Two companies based in the Seattle region, Microsoft and Adaptive Biotechnologies, are working together to try to create a better diagnostic test. Joining us to explain the initiative are Peter Lee, Microsoft corporate vice president of AI and Research, and Adaptive CEO Chad Robins. 

At a basic level, Microsoft and Adaptive are looking for the unique signature associated with COVID-19 in the specialized cells that determine the human immune system's response to the disease. Once that signature is identified, they say, it could lead to a new test that would detect the tell-tale signs of the disease in others, providing a new form of diagnosis.

The companies last week launched a virtual clinical study, seeking 1,000 people across the country who have been diagnosed with, exposed to, or recovered from COVID-19. The study is called “ImmuneRACE,” for Immune Response Action to COVID-19 Events. It focuses on 20 major metro regions in the US.. As of earlier this week, the study had more than 100 participants out of the 1,000 it’s seeking.

In the world of diagnostic tests for COVID-19, there are two main approaches: PCR tests, which detect the presence of the live virus; and serology tests, which detect antibodies that indicate whether someone has recovered from the disease.
But could there be a third way? Two companies based in the Seattle region, Microsoft and Adaptive Biotechnologies, are working together to try to create a better diagnostic test. Joining us to explain the initiative are Peter Lee, Microsoft corporate vice president of AI and Research, and Adaptive CEO Chad Robins.&nbsp;
At a basic level, Microsoft and Adaptive are looking for the unique signature associated with COVID-19 in the specialized cells that determine the human immune system's response to the disease. Once that signature is identified, they say, it could lead to a new test that would detect the tell-tale signs of the disease in others, providing a new form of diagnosis.
The companies last week launched a virtual clinical study, seeking 1,000 people across the country who have been diagnosed with, exposed to, or recovered from COVID-19. <a href="https://immunerace.adaptivebiotech.com/">The study is called &ldquo;ImmuneRACE,&rdquo;</a> for Immune Response Action to COVID-19 Events. It focuses on 20 major metro regions in the US.. As of earlier this week, the study had more than 100 participants out of the 1,000 it&rsquo;s seeking.

Health Tech is a GeekWire podcast that explores the cutting edge of digital health. On each episode, we bring you stories about innovative technologies for patients, doctors and more, giving you a window into the future of health. Our fifth season is sponsored by Premera Blue Cross. Learn more about Premera here: https://www.premera.com/premera-voices/

Health Tech is a GeekWire podcast that explores the cutting edge of digital health. On each episode, we bring you stories about innovative technologies for patients, doctors and more, giving you a window into the future of health. Our fifth season is sponsored by Premera Blue Cross. Learn more about Premera here: <a href="https://www.premera.com/premera-voices/">https://www.premera.com/premera-voices/</a>

Health Tech is a narrative GeekWire podcast that explores the cutting edge of digital health.

GeekWire Health Tech

Health Tech is a GeekWire podcast that explores the cutting edge of digital health. On each episode, we bring you stories about innovative technologies for patients, doctors and more, giving you a window into the future of health. Our fifth season is sponsored by Premera Blue Cross.

Health Tech is a GeekWire podcast that explores the cutting edge of digital health. On each episode, we bring you stories about innovative technologies for patients, doctors and more, giving you a window into the future of health. Our fifth season is sponsored by Premera Blue Cross.

Advertisement