Microbix Biosystems has extended the Quality Assessment Products (QAPs) portfolio to incorporate single-unit swab-formatted controls that can support Covid-19, Influenza (Flu) A /B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. This in-vitro diagnostic quality control aids multiplex PCR tests to identify and differentiate between these three infections from one sample. It is offered as REnDx FLOQ SARS-CoV-2/Flu A&B/RSV Swab Positive Control to laboratory quality management systems (QMS) in the US and Canada. 

The Erie County Public Health Lab has included testing for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus to the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing provided via the County’s Department of Health (ECDOH) in the US. Leveraging the novel molecular diagnostic testing technology, all specimens obtained to carry out a Covid-19 test through ECDOH will be analysed for influenza A / B and RSV. The tests results obtained from a single swab sample will be delivered within one to three business days.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) of India is developing methods to boost existing SARS-CoV-2 testing approaches such as RT-PCR to detect Omicron variants. The researchers are working on some sets of primers, which need to be tested and validated before making them available to people for testing.