Bio-Rad Laboratories SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR Assays

Bio-Rad Laboratories has launched its SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR Assays for research use only (RUO). The assays can detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus associated with COVID-19) variants of concern, including P.1, B.1.351 and B.1.1.7, by distinguishing 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 quickly with Bio-Rad’s RT-PCR assays to rapidly prioritise which samples to submit for NGS. The assays join the company’s offering of research and testing products that are helping in the fight against COVID-19.