DiaSorin announced that it has released the Simplexa SARS-CoV-2 Variants Direct assay to enable detection and discrimination of four SARS-CoV-2 mutations associated with circulating virus variants without requiring upfront RNA extraction.
The assay, which is for research use only, helps to streamline and speed-up the pre-selection process of positive samples that need further sequencing, maximizing the effectiveness of monitoring programs for thes pread of concerning variants.
The assay allows for the in vitro qualitative differential detection of the mutations N501Y, E484K, E484Q, and L452R directly from nasopharyngeal and nasal swab specimens from individuals previously diagnosed with COVID-19.
These mutations are present in potential variants of clinical interest including those that were isolated in the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil/Japan (P.1 and P.2), New York (B.1.526/B.1.526.1), California (B.1.427/B.1.429), Nigeria (B.1.525) and India (B.1.617/B.1.617.1/ B.1.617.2/B.1.617.3).
The kit format consists of pre-aliquoted reagents that are ready for use while leveraging Direct Amplification Disc technology and the melting curve capabilities of the LIAISON MDX.
