PCR Test Simultaneously Detects COVID-19 and Quantitatively Measures Viral Load Levels
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 16 Jun 2022 |
A first of its kind PCR test simultaneously detects COVID-19 and quantitatively measures the viral load levels of COVID-19.
The cobas SARS-CoV-2 Duo test from Roche Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) combines the standard qualitative result of a traditional SARS-CoV-2 PCR test with a quantitative result, which measures the viral load of a patient suspected of COVID-19. It is the first automated, real-time RT-PCR assay for the in vitro qualitative and quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasal and nasopharyngeal swab specimens. The test aims to help the healthcare community with contact tracing, patient triage and the approach to medical care.
The cobas SARS-CoV-2 Duo is an automated real-time RT-PCR assay for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in healthcare provider instructed self-collected nasal swab specimens (collected on site), and healthcare provider-collected nasal and nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. The assay also performs quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in the collected specimen; however, only the qualitative result of cobas SARS-CoV-2 Duo is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider.
The quantitative result is traceable to the World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The potential benefits from reporting a standardized viral load along with the qualitative result may help clinicians in the assessment and monitoring of infected patients across laboratories and over time. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the cobas SARS-CoV-2 Duo for use on the fully automated cobas 6800/8800 Systems.
"With the SARS-CoV-2 Duo test, we are now able to detect the COVID-19 virus and simultaneously measure the viral load in an individual,” said Thomas Schinecker, CEO Roche Diagnostics. “The test’s performance suggests that, by earlier and more accurately identifying infected patients, the results may open the path for healthcare providers to more efficiently organise their therapeutic and monitoring interventions.”
Related Links:
Roche Diagnostics
Latest COVID-19 News
- New Immunosensor Paves Way to Rapid POC Testing for COVID-19 and Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Long COVID Etiologies Found in Acute Infection Blood Samples
- Novel Device Detects COVID-19 Antibodies in Five Minutes
- CRISPR-Powered COVID-19 Test Detects SARS-CoV-2 in 30 Minutes Using Gene Scissors
- Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis Linked to COVID-19
- Novel SARS CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Validated for Diagnostic Accuracy
- New COVID + Flu + R.S.V. Test to Help Prepare for `Tripledemic`
- AI Takes Guesswork Out Of Lateral Flow Testing
- Fastest Ever SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Designed for Non-Invasive COVID-19 Testing in Any Setting
- Rapid Antigen Tests Detect Omicron, Delta SARS-CoV-2 Variants
- Health Care Professionals Showed Increased Interest in POC Technologies During Pandemic, Finds Study
- Set Up Reserve Lab Capacity Now for Faster Response to Next Pandemic, Say Researchers
- Blood Test Performed During Initial Infection Predicts Long COVID Risk
- Low-Cost COVID-19 Testing Platform Combines Sensitivity of PCR and Speed of Antigen Tests
- Finger-Prick Blood Test Identifies Immunity to COVID-19
- Quick Test Kit Determines Immunity Against COVID-19 and Its Variants