PCR Test Nextgen PCR Reagents Detect Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2

Dutch biotechnology company, Molecular Biology Systems, (MBS) has announced that both in silico and bench testing confirmed that the Nextgen PCR reagents detected the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.

The testing of SARS-CoV2 samples for the omicron variant with Nextgen PCR reagents demonstrated similar performance to the previously tested SARS-CoV-2 samples. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant was expected, based on the PCR design. In silico analysis of the B1.1.529 variant of concern showed only a single mismatch in the dual amplicon RT-PCR reaction, suggesting no impact on sensitivity or specificity.

MBS has deployed SARS-CoV-2 detection workflows at airports throughout Europe with their partners, Euro Fins Megalab and Ecolog. Having a reliable testing platform for identified SARS-CoV-2 variants at airports where hundreds of samples can be analyzed in less than 35 minutes is critical to mitigate the spread of the virus.

“Testing the PCR reagents agent synthetic viral genomes of both omicron and delta demonstrated the same high level of sensitivity. The PCR reagents were tested against sequence-verified omicron patient samples as well, and found to successfully detect SAR-CoV-2.” says MBS CEO and founder, Gert de Vos.

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