New SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR Assays Help Public Health Researchers Track SARS-CoV-2 Variants More Rapidly and Cost-Effectively

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., a global leader of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, has announced the launch of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR Assays for research use only (RUO). The assays can detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus associated with COVID-19) variants of concern, including P.1, B.1.351, and B.1.1.7, by distinguishing specific mutations in SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) often prior to a next generation sequencing (NGS) workflow for confirmation.

With the emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, public health researchers are looking for a quicker way to track the spread of these variants in a population. Laboratories that use NGS to track COVID-19 variants can detect these mutations more quickly and cost-effectively with the SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR Assays to more rapidly prioritize which samples to submit for NGS.

“We are pleased to introduce our SARS-CoV-2 Variant RT-PCR Assays to enable detection of mutations in these new variants more quickly and cost-effectively by laboratories using NGS to track COVID-19 variants,” said John Randall, Bio-Rad Vice President Marketing, Life Science Group. “The assays join Bio-Rad’s offering of research and testing products that are helping in the fight against COVID-19,” he said.

BIO-RAD, DROPLET DIGITAL PCR, and DDPCR are trademarks of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. in certain jurisdictions. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owner. 

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About Bio-Rad

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb) is a global leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing a broad range of innovative products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. With a focus on quality and customer service for over 65 years, our products advance the discovery process and improve healthcare. Our customers are university and research institutions, hospitals, public health and commercial laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as applied laboratories that include food safety and environmental quality. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is based in Hercules, California, and has a global network of operations with more than 7,800 employees worldwide. Bio-Rad had revenues exceeding $2.5 billion in 2020.