Bio-Rad Laboratories has launched the SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR assays, which can detect the variants of concern, including P.1, B.1.351, and B.1.1.7.
The assays distinguish specific mutations in SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) often prior to a next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow for confirmation.
With the emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, public health researchers are looking for a quicker way to track the spread of these variants in a population. Laboratories that use NGS to track COVID-19 variants can detect these mutations more quickly and cost-effectively with the SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR assays to more rapidly prioritise which samples to submit for NGS.
“We are pleased to introduce our SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR assays to enable detection of mutations in these new variants more quickly and cost-effectively by laboratories using NGS to track COVID-19 variants,” said John Randall (Bio-Rad Vice President Marketing, Life Science Group). “The assays join Bio-Rad’s offering of research and testing products that are helping in the fight against COVID-19.”
Visit the Bio-Rad website for more information about the SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR assays.
www.bio-rad.com/COVIDVariantSurveillance