Bio-Rad Launches SARS-CoV-2 S Gene Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Epsilon Variant Controls

Bio-Rad Laboratories (Hercules, CA, USA) has launched SARS-CoV-2 S Gene Variant Controls which are intended to be validated as independent external run controls and used for research testing with molecular assays targeting mutations in the Spike (S) gene of SARS-CoV-2 variants to monitor assay performance.

These Exact Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 S Gene Variant Controls are to be used with assays detecting SARS-CoV-2 variant RNA and to be processed in the same manner as patient specimens to monitor all the steps of molecular assays. The Exact Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 S Gene Alpha Variant Control consists of a synthetic RNA transcript of the Alpha variant SARS-CoV-2 S gene (Lineage B.1.1.7) in a matrix simulating transport media. This product also contains human genomic DNA (human gDNA; which includes the human RNase P) for internal control needs, allowing laboratories to monitor the entire process of a molecular assay including extraction, amplification, and detection. The extraction of this product is optional.


The Exact Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 S Gene Beta Variant Control consists of a synthetic RNA transcript of the Beta variant SARS-CoV-2 S gene (Lineage B.1.351) in a matrix simulating transport media. This product also contains human genomic DNA (human gDNA; which includes the human RNase P) for internal control needs, allowing laboratories to monitor the entire process of a molecular assay including extraction, amplification, and detection. The extraction of this product is optional.

The Exact Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 S Gene Epsilon Variant Control consists of a synthetic RNA transcript of the Epsilon variant SARS-CoV-2 S gene (Lineage B.1.429) in a matrix simulating transport media. This product also contains human genomic DNA (human gDNA; which includes the human RNase P) for internal control needs, allowing laboratories to monitor the entire process of a molecular assay including extraction, amplification, and detection. The extraction of this product is optional.

The Exact Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 S Gene Gamma Variant Control consists of a synthetic RNA transcript of the Gamma variant SARS-CoV-2 S gene (Lineage P.1) in a matrix simulating transport media. This product also contains human genomic DNA (human gDNA; which includes the human RNase P) for internal control needs, allowing laboratories to monitor the entire process of a molecular assay including extraction, amplification, and detection. The extraction of this product is optional.