CAP TODAY Pathology/Laboratory Medicine/Laboratory Management
October 2021—Bio-Rad Laboratories has launched SARS-CoV-2 S gene alpha, beta, gamma, and epsilon variant controls.
The Exact Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 S gene variant controls are intended to be validated as independent external run controls and used for research testing with molecular assays targeting mutations in the spike gene. The products are for use with assays that detect SARS-CoV-2 variant RNA and are processed in the same manner as patient specimens.
The controls consist of synthetic RNA transcripts of the respective variant SARS-CoV-2 S genes in a matrix simulating transport media. The products also contain human genomic DNA for internal control needs, which enables laboratories to monitor the entire process of a molecular assay, including extraction, amplification, and detection.