Tripleclix and National Breast Cancer Foundation team up to fundraise via gaming

“Covid-19 is affecting us all and unfortunately breast cancer doesn’t slow down even during a pandemic,” said Kevin Hail, President and COO of NBCF.

FRESNO, Texas (PRWEB)
July 08, 2020

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. ® (NBCF) announced today the big shift of changing their annual Game Pink event into an all-digital experience. The foundation also tapped Tripleclix, a global leader in creating connections between consumers, brands, and the gaming industry to be the driving force behind designing all of the new engagements and help increase charitable contributions.

“Covid-19 is affecting us all and unfortunately breast cancer doesn’t slow down even during a pandemic,” said Kevin Hail, President and COO of NBCF. “We’ve seen a lot of success with our in-person gaming events and are going to go even bigger this year by teaming up with Tripleclix.” He added, “We are confident we will reach more people to spread our mission of providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services”.

NBCF previously held Game Pink with popular Minecraft streamers as a live fundraising event in Frisco, Texas. Charity streams also helped raise additional funds for the cause. Several brands such as Ocean Spray, Microsoft, and Hot Pockets participated with 100% of the net proceeds going to help families affected by breast cancer.

“Like every other family in the world, mine has also been personally affected by this terrible disease and we’re especially proud to align with such an incredible and meaningful organization,” said Chris Erb, Founder of Tripleclix. “The gaming community has always been passionate about supporting causes and partnering with NBCF is a win for everyone. Our goal this year is to bring together top streamers, brands and talent to execute a fan-first experience, pulses of live game play and exclusive content with the goal to raise a lot of money for a great cause.”

About National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. ®

Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Helping Women Now® by providing early detection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for 14 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education, and patient support programs. For more information, please visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

About Tripleclix

Tripleclix (http://www.tripleclix.com) is a strategic gaming agency focused on developing marketing partners for game publishers while helping brands navigate the gaming industry. With over 60 years of industry experience, the agency specializes in building strategy, promotions, original content, and lifestyle marketing by combining publisher driven gaming content with innovative and iconic brands. Tripleclix acts as the connective tissue through which brands, publishers, and consumers interact.

Follow Tripleclix on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @tripleclix or online at Tripleclix.com.

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The sudden onset of a disease for which there were no existing test products, so labs had to develop their own, and memories of that should remain.

ARLINGTON, Va. (PRWEB)
July 08, 2020

Lab-developed tests (LDTs) were controversial before the COVID-19 pandemic, and there was attempts at regulating them more in the United States. Then came a massive infectious disease threat for which lab developed tests were essential. Market researcher Kalorama Information believes this will make it more difficult to regulate LDTs.

“The sudden onset of a disease for which there were no existing test products, so labs had to develop their own, and memories of that should remain.” said Bruce Carlson, Publisher of Kalorama Information, part of Science and Medicine Group. The company is working on a molecular diagnostics market report. “Lab-developed tests are likely to be at least a fifth of tests conducted for COVID-19.”

There has been a running stalemate under the role of laboratory-developed tests, which may or may not change in the wake of COVID-19. Originally, LDTs were designed to be solutions that do not otherwise exist yet on the market. Hence, FDA has not enforced premarket reviews of LDTs. Instead , LDTs are regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), where they are categorized as high- complexity tests under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). However, technology advancements have facilitated designing of complex LDTs, with some being similar to IVD tests that have undergone FDA review before entering the market. The majority of LDTs are based on molecular diagnostic technologies such as nucleic acid amplification, array-based hybridization, NGS, and liquid biopsies.

Could COVID-19 break the stalemate towards the side of test innovation and LDT? Lab Developed Tests were critical for the crisis in late march. For instance there were media reports January that SARS-CoV-2 virus had reached the US, lab professionals said they were hesitant to launch LDTs. They were unsure if the agency would practice “enforcement discretion.”

One showdown proved ill-timed for the side of stricter FDA regulation of tests. In March 2020, lawmakers introduced a bill that would vastly change the oversight system for diagnostics in this country and give the US Food and Drug Administration explicit authority to regulate tests developed by labs, legislators and media were confused by what seemed to be a reversal of need for more testing. The bipartisan (VALID) Act was designed to streamline regulations and speed access to tests in public health emergencies like the present COVID-19 pandemic.

Opponents argued that in the hands of the FDA, the lab industry would be overburdened with regulation and no longer nimble in the face of advancing science or a sudden public health crisis. While the legislation was not acted on, The American Clinical Laboratory Association, AdvaMedDx and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization urged Congress in a letter Friday to finalize changes to proposed legislation overhauling diagnostics regulation by the end of the year.

Kalorama Information produces 30 reports a year. The firm offers a Knowledge Center, which provides access to all published reports. Their reports can be found at http://www.kaloramainformation.com.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (PRWEB)
July 08, 2020

As many veterinary organizations have postponed or cancelled annual tradeshows due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Georgian Anesthesia and Avante Animal Health are working together to offer a free, two-day virtual veterinary summit.

The Veterinary Clinic Summit is a free online event will be held July 11-12 and is designed to help veterinarians overcome today’s challenges by offering accessible sessions in clinical education, practice management, and more.

Registration for the event is still open, and can be accessed online here: https://www.theveterinarysummit.com/registernow

While clinical education will be a large focus of the event, conference organizers also want to acknowledge and offer specific advice to help jumpstart veterinary practices after closures related to COVID-19.

The Veterinary Clinic Summit is being organized by Georgian Anesthesia and Medical Corp., an Ontario, Canada-based medical equipment company with years of experience in the veterinary industry. The company works with veterinary professionals every day and sought new ways to help them navigate the current business landscape.

“When this pandemic struck and it sent the industry into a spiral, cancelled events, uncertainties, business concerns, we knew that we could help even more by rallying amazing experts to help give clarity, insight and help to bring education to our amazing industry virtually,” says a statement from Georgian Anesthesia on the conference website.

The virtual event will host 18 experts from across the veterinary field, who will speak on both clinical and business topics. Scheduled sessions include information on the latest animal health and behavior techniques, veterinary equipment management, and tips for engaging customers and assessing risk during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Avante Animal Health, a division of Avante Health Solutions, is co-sponsoring the summit.

The Veterinary Clinic Summit is free to attendees who register before July 11, the first day of the conference. Registration for this event will allow access to the 18 speaker sessions and provide veterinary clinicians with takeaways and action steps for advancing veterinary practices during COVID-19 and beyond.

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COVID-19 IgG Dual Antibody Test

Through an IRB-approved research study carried out by ZRT Laboratory, we have found that COVID-19 antibodies can be detected with equal accuracy in dried blood spots as with liquid serum.

BEAVERTON, Ore. (PRWEB)
July 08, 2020

These tests are performed using finger-stick dried blood spots that are collected with the assistance of a health care professional. ZRT Laboratory is the first to provide IgG antibody results against two separate SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins for every sample, as we believe this is important for confirmation of true positive antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

ZRT’s provider-assisted collection is simple, convenient, and only requires a simple nick of the finger with a lancet and collection of a few blood drops onto a filter card. Blood is then dried and shipped without coolants directly to ZRT laboratory for testing.

David Zava PhD, ZRT’s Founder and Chief Scientist, explains: “Through an IRB-approved research study carried out by ZRT Laboratory, we have found that COVID-19 antibodies can be detected with equal accuracy in dried blood spots as with liquid serum. The obvious advantage of dried blood spot collection is that it is simple and circumvents the need for your health care practitioner to perform a venipuncture blood draw.”

ZRT Laboratory is a CLIA-certified high complexity testing facility, and all dried blood spot assays, including our new COVID-19 IgG Dual Antibody Test, are stringently validated as laboratory developed tests (LDTs) according to FDA guidelines. ZRT has >15 years’ expertise in finger stick dried blood spot analysis, testing a wide range of hormones, cardiometabolic risk markers, vitamin D and essential elements.

To learn more about ZRT’s dried blood spot testing visit http://www.zrtlab.com/sample-types/blood-spot/ or the new COVID-19 IgG dual antibody test, visit http://www.zrtlab.com/test-specialties/covid-19-igg-dual-antibody/ or contact customer service at 866.600.1636 or email info@zrtlab.com.

About ZRT Laboratory

ZRT Laboratory is a CLIA-certified commercial and research laboratory founded in 1998 by breast cancer researcher David Zava, Ph.D. ZRT has pioneered innovative testing methods for hormones, neurotransmitters, heavy metals and more, offering health care professionals convenient and simple at home options for collection of different body fluids including saliva, dried blood spot, and dried urine. With over 10 million clinical tests performed over the past 20+ years, coupled with our signature personalized test report, ZRT Laboratory has become a world recognized leader in hormone and wellness testing. Individuals, health care providers in all 50 states and in over 100 countries, as well as research-oriented government, private, and academic organizations worldwide use our testing. Learn more at http://www.zrtlab.com.

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Bode-CARES COVID-19 Testing Program

Bode-CARES provides a turnkey solution that includes a comprehensive collection and virus-management program for our clients.

LORTON, Va. (PRWEB)
July 08, 2020

Bode Technology, a leading provider of laboratory testing services and products, announces a significant expansion of laboratory operations through its COVID-19 testing service, Bode-CARES. Bode-CARES combines high-volume clinical testing with robust collection for agencies implementing testing programs.

Bode-CARES provides a turnkey solution that includes a comprehensive collection and virus-management program for our clients. Bode can offer deployed services to our client’s locations including oversight, documentation, specimen collection, transport, testing and reporting. The program includes partnerships with a national network of service providers and Bode’s core laboratory expertise.

“Bode has been involved in deploying laboratory operations across the world in challenging environments for many years,” said Mike Cariola, President and CEO. “Our team of more than 150 scientists are thankful to be able to offer this expertise to support our mission of public safety during this global pandemic.”

Bode began offering COVID-19 testing to agencies concerned with the safety and welfare of their population, including law enforcement, crime laboratories, nursing homes, and universities. As many of these organizations seek solutions to safely operate, a partnership with Bode can offer a testing solution that meets their needs.

“Quality testing and improving public safety are at our core. For 25 years now, we have used our technology to adapt to almost any situation,” said Erin Sweeney, Vice President of Operations. “Flexibility in the current environment is critical, and Bode’s expertise enables us to quickly react to the needs of our clients.”

Bode-CARES provides diagnostic tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The test will indicate whether SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in a specimen, was not detected, or was inconclusive for detection. The Bode-CARES program provides fast testing in support of our clients to ensure safer environments for the organizations and communities we serve. Through Bode’s COVID-19 testing, agencies will quickly know if an exposure, or potential exposure, to coronavirus has resulted in the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

About Bode Technology

Bode operates one of the most internationally respected private DNA laboratories and provides a comprehensive set of state-of-the-art forensic DNA collection products, DNA analysis services, and research services around the world. Bode’s laboratory is CLIA certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the purpose of providing diagnostic testing. Bode is also accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for Forensic Testing and Calibration Laboratories as well as the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and DNA Databasing Laboratories. In addition, Bode is AABB certified for relationship testing and has been certified by many states that required individual certifications including Texas, New York and Maryland.

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Critical Alert can provide facilities with a viable option for patient communications if and when they need to create temporary care settings to accommodate surge capacity,

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (PRWEB)
July 08, 2020

As COVID cases around the country continue to increase at an exponential rate, there is significant evidence (*1) that a corollary increase in hospitalizations will ensue. There is also mounting evidence (*2) that high risk patients (i.e.: heart conditions, stroke, etc.) are avoiding care, fearful of contracting COVID at a hospital.

For hospitals to prepare for anticipated surge as well as continuing to serve their high-risk patients, alternative care settings must be considered.

Critical Alert has a Rapid Deployment Nurse Call Kit that provides reliable, easy-to-use patient/caregiver communications. Hospitals can increase their capabilities to care for their patients safely while dealing with this unprecedented situation. And, it’s important to keep in mind that this is still the first wave. Plans for surge capacity also need to be in place for the possible second wave in the fall/winter.

The Rapid Deployment Kit includes wireless, waterproof pendants that patients wear around the neck, on the wrist or can be attached to the bed. When help is needed, the patient simply presses the pendant button which emits a notification to the nurse console as well as to mobile devices (even BYOD). Wireless patient stations with call cords, emergency notification buttons, and auxiliary jacks for medical devices can also be integrated if the setting allows for it.

“It is important to us as a company to do what we can to support hospitals during this ever-changing pandemic landscape,” said John Elms, CEO of Critical Alert. “We can provide facilities with a viable option for patient communications if and when they need to create temporary care settings to accommodate surge capacity,” continued Elms.

About Critical Alert

Critical Alert offers a cost-effective solution set of enterprise-class, software-based products, services and strategies that enable hospitals and healthcare enterprises to give patients a voice, empower clinical staff with actionable intelligence, and unburden their support and IT teams. CommonPath Enterprise, our software-driven patient communications platform, is FDA-cleared as a Class II Medical Device and includes UL-1069 nurse call, overlay software to modernize legacy nurse call systems, alarm management & event notification, patient experience monitoring, advanced clinical analytics, and a portfolio of integrated partner offerings.

For more information, visit: http://criticalalert.com and follow on LinkedIn.

Critical Alert is a trademark of Critical Alert. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.

*1 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/hospitalizations-forecasts.html

*2 The CDC estimates that from February to the beginning of June, between 102,641 and 140,000 deaths occurred due to high-risk patients avoiding care.

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