US-based biotechnology firm Aldatu Biosciences has confirmed that its PANDAA qDx SARS-CoVar test kit has the ability to detect and differentiate between Omicron, Delta and all other Covid-19 variants of concern.
Designed as a reflex test on positive RNA, the new SARS-CoV-2 Variant Genotyping Test kit can differentiate five Covid-19 variants of concern, including Omicron.
It can also differentiate three variants of interest and the non-variant Wuhan strain of the virus.
The assay uses the focused genotyping approach on the SARS-CoV-2 S gene, which is more cost-effective in comparison to sequencing for Covid-19 variant genotyping.
Because each variant of concern has a different fluorescent signature, the test kit uses fluorescent probes in two multiplex PANDAA reactions.
This allows the variants to be differentiated accurately down to 100 copies/ml.
The PANDAA qDx SARS-CoVar test kit provides accurate results from RNA in one hour.
Aldatu Biosciences chief business officer Mike Henry said: “Our focused genotyping approach of the S gene of CoV-2 is faster and more affordable than sequencing if you wish to know which strain of the virus is present in an individual or a population.
“Our test is fast, delivering fast results in less than one-hour from RNA, highly sensitive and available for purchase now.
“And, in response to the current testing needs, we can guarantee 24-hour shipping. The test is platform-agnostic, meaning it is compatible with sample prep and qPCR platform in most labs.”
Recently, PerkinElmer announced the launch of its NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 to accelerate SARS-CoV-2 variants detection.
The new research use only (RUO) test kit will help laboratories increase sequencing throughput and reliably identify Covid-19 variants.
