Secaucus-based Quest Diagnostics said Wednesday it is now offering three different test options to assist in diagnosing COVID-19 and to differentiate it from other seasonal respiratory infections, including the flu.

Quest said a single nasal swab can identify nearly 20 viral and bacterial infections, reducing time to diagnose and treat the virus that causes COVID-19.

Each test is designed to use a single specimen for potentially improved patient care, promoting faster test ordering, reporting and diagnosis, as compared to ordering multiple tests. The daignostics may also help reduce demand for specimen collection devices amid supply constraints.

The new test options include the cobas SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B, an automated high throughput multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay from Roche,and two additional test panels from Quest Diagnostics: The Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) and the Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP), which now include testing for SARS-CoV-2 using the company’s SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test.

“With a perfect storm of COVID-19, influenza and seasonal respiratory viruses circulating over the fall and winter months, laboratory testing that can reliably identify the virus causing disease will be critical to mobilizing effective patient care and public health response,” said Dr. Jay Wohlgemuth, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Quest Diagnostics. “Our goal is to give providers multiple tools to care for patients as quickly and effectively as possible, using a minimum of specimen collection materials amid continuing supply constraints.”