Thermo Fisher Launches New High-Throughput, Fully Automated, Real-Time PCR Solution for COVID-19 Testing

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Waltham, MA, USA) has introduced a new highly automated, real-time PCR solution designed to analyze up to 6,000 samples in a single day to meet increasing global demand for COVID-19 testing.

The high-throughput system enables laboratories to double or even triple their testing capacity to support global efforts to return communities back to work and school. The Thermo Fisher Scientific Amplitude Solution is a molecular diagnostic testing system that leverages the company's Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 7 Flex Real-time PCR instruments along with liquid handling products from Tecan Group. The modular solution delivers test results in a four-step process requiring minimal hands-on time, laboratory space and staffing resources.

The Amplitude Solution utilizes Thermo Fisher's Applied Biosystems TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit, a fast, highly sensitive multiplex diagnostic test that contains the assays and controls needed for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2. As part of this offering, Amplitude Solution customers will enter into a supply agreement with Thermo Fisher to secure an up-front, confirmed and reliable supply of reagents and consumables. Backed by dedicated, 24/7 customer support from Thermo Fisher, the end-to-end solution, including the reagents, consumables and test kits, is available from a single source. The company will submit this new end-to-end solution to the US Food and Drug Administration for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and plans to secure additional authorizations globally.

"Increased testing capability is an essential part of any community's plan to reopen schools and businesses," said Marc N. Casper, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "Current approaches to scale up testing require substantial resources and personnel. This more automated, high-throughput solution will enable laboratories around the world to increase testing volumes and help the public get their test results faster."