Combinati, a provider of digital PCR (dPCR) technology, has announced a novel product solution that enables accurate and precise quantification of SARS-CoV-2 viral targets. While the system features an identical workflow to qPCR, it comes with the added accuracy and sensitivity benefits of dPCR in a single benchtop instrument. The patented microfluidic partitioning technology reduces sample waste, which implies fewer false negatives and better precision. The Absolute Q dPCR platform has one hands-on step and offers results in just 90 minutes.
Sherlock Biosciences has reported data from a 20 clinical sample pilot study carried out by researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. This study analysed the accuracy and performance of the Sherlock CRISPR SARS-CoV-2 kit in detecting nucleic acid from the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19. Sherlock test results were found to be 100% concordant with results from Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s lab-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test method.
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Roche has announced that it will launch a SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test later this month for markets accepting the CE Mark. The firm also plans to file for emergency use authorisation (EUA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rapid antigen test is for use in point of care settings for both symptomatic and asymptomatic people.
QuestCap has entered into a purchase order term sheet with Xtreme Cubes for the manufacture of modular steel pod structures, which will serve as testing centres for QuestCap’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Collection Sites, and its Covid-19 “Test Before You Go” campaign that was first launched in August in Las Vegas, Nevada. QuestCap has engaged Xtreme Cubes to deliver an initial order of 165 QuestCubes to be placed in shopping centres across the US, which would serve as pop-up Covid-19 testing stations.
