Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Successfully Tests Technology for Early Virus Detection

Partnership with SICPA tests wastewater to mitigate threats from future viruses and variants

June 7, 2022

Holy Name today announced results from a successful test of new technology capable of providing early detection of pathogens in a hospital setting. The test utilized localized wastewater analysis to monitor and protect against the presence of viral contaminants such as COVID-19.

The use of groundbreaking technology that provides early detection of viruses will allow Holy Name's health practitioners to maintain the highest level of patient safety and quickly enact preparedness plans should any pathogens be detected.

"This technology can provide our caregivers with information vital to protecting the health of our patients" says Michael Maron, President and CEO of Holy Name. "We're grateful for another tool that can strengthen our fight against COVID-19, and possibly help prevent a future pandemic altogether."

The test was conducted in partnership with SICPA, a global leader in identification and traceability technologies that has pioneered the use of real-time wastewater analysis to prevent the spread of disease through communities and large transportation hubs like international airports.

Holy Name's successful application of SICPA technology will support the continued development of processes that automatically monitor for a range of known viruses and rapidly share results with hospital staff. As tested, this localized wastewater analysis system can be deployed to any hospital treatment area and provide detailed information on the presence and concentration of pathogens in less than two hours. SICPA's state-of-the-art system can simultaneously detect multiple pathogens, and monitoring parameters can be updated regularly to track new mutations or emerging variants.

Holy Name has been a leader in bringing cutting-edge technology to patients and the community for nearly 100 years. Holy Name actively enrolls patients in its robust portfolio of clinical trials. Notably, it was the first hospital to enroll a patient in a Regeneron trial, prior to the availability of the Covid-19 vaccine and the lead enroller in the prophylactic monoclonal study. Holy Name was one of the first to provide hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for cancers that affect the abdomen. Also, more than 200 Holy Name Physicians appear on NJ Top Doctors list and the nurses are nationally recognized.

"Holy Name stands out as a healthcare provider that wants to do everything it can to help patients on their health journey, and they actively look for ways to incorporate traditional and innovative therapeutics," said Franck Chartier-Dumas, Health Security Solutions Manager at SICPA. "Partnering with a respected healthcare leader solidifies the importance of utilizing technology to improve and advance public health."