Thermo Fisher Scientific has revised its Applied Biosystems TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel to facilitate direct identification of the Omicron variant of the virus. Made with an adaptable menu of real-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping assays, the panel can precisely detect all known Covid-19 variants in nearly over an hour. The panel works with real-time PCR devices that are currently utilised in laboratories across the globe. Labs may make their own unique, highly scalable panel by selecting from a menu of more than 50 known mutations of the virus. Furthermore, it can process up to several specimens to check for various mutations at the same time.

US President Joe Biden has announced the supply of 200 to 500 million free rapid Covid-19 test kits in the market under the Defense Production Act. In an interview with MSNBC, Chief Medical Advisor to the President Dr Anthony Fauci said that the officials were deliberating a reduced recommended quarantine duration for healthcare personnel, Reuters reported. Biden is anticipated to make an announcement on key changes in the Covid-19 winter plan soon.

Cue Health has collaborated with Air Canada to offer its molecular Covid-19 self-test to US-based passengers. These tests, which could be ordered three, six, or ten at a time, coupled with the reusable and portable Cue Cartridge Reader, are now available to Air Canada’s US-based clients. Meeting the travel testing needs of Canada, the nucleic acid amplification test delivers results in nearly 20 minutes. The testing services of Cue are anticipated to be roll-out for Canada-based users earlier next year.