Several SARS-CoV-2 variants are circulating globally. The most prominent variants of concern, including the B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and B1.1.28 lineages, not only carry a constellation of genetic mutations to facilitate virus entry but other mutations found in these variants also might confer increased transmissibility and compromise of RT-PCR assay performance. While next-generation sequencing (NGS) based assays are routinely used to track the new SARS-CoV-2 variants, they require sophisticated NGS lab equipment not accessible by most clinical laboratories, and the assays are expensive with a long turnaround time (TAT).

This webinar will present a viable alternative to the NGS approach for monitoring these SARS-CoV-2 variants. A rapid, sensitive and cost-effective package has been developed with the assays run on PCR machines commonly found in most molecular diagnostic labs to detect these variants. These assays can easily be integrated into an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) workflow that includes high-throughput viral RNA extraction and SARS-CoV-2 detection for testing hundreds or thousands of samples a day. Various automation packages that enhance the testing capacity and TAT of COVID-19 will also be presented.

Learning Objectives:

1. The diversity and detection strategy of SARS-CoV-2 variants

2. How integrated workflow is enabling the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

3. The mutation monitoring plan that follows FDA’s new guideline and assures product quality

4. The benefits of using the latest advances in lab automaton for COVID-19 testing