QIAGEN to Complement COVID-19 Testing Portfolio With Novel Kit That Simplifies and Accelerates PCR Analysis for Research Applications

Rhea-AI Summary

QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN) has announced a new approach to viral RNA epidemiology with its QIAprep Viral RNA UM Kit. This innovative kit simplifies PCR analysis for SARS-CoV-2 and other RNA viruses, allowing sample preparation in just two minutes. The streamlined process delivers results in under one hour, significantly faster than traditional methods that take about three hours. The kit can manage up to 2,600 samples in an eight-hour shift and minimizes plastic use while reducing reagent and labor costs. Initial studies show detection levels comparable to standard protocols.

Positive

• Launch of QIAprep Viral RNA UM Kit enhances PCR analysis efficiency.
• Results delivered in under one hour, compared to three hours for traditional methods.
• Can process up to 2,600 samples in an eight-hour shift.
• Minimal plastic usage leads to cost savings on reagents and labor.
• Detection levels similar to or better than regular PCR workflows.

Negative

• None.

HILDEN, Germany & GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced plans to launch a novel straightforward approach to viral RNA epidemiology that will significantly simplify and accelerate PCR analysis and remove key testing bottlenecks for SARS-CoV-2 and other RNA viruses.

QIAGEN’s innovative QIAprep&amp Viral RNA UM Kit combines a liquid-based sample preparation step completed in only two minutes with real-time PCR detection in a streamlined workflow that can be automated with standard lab equipment for any throughput, any assay and any reaction need from single to multiplex testing. The kit, which uses the most common transport media such as Universal Transport Media (UTM^TM) as the starting material, includes both sample extraction components and optimized PCR reagents for only one procedure.

The streamlined workflow takes under one hour to deliver a result, compared to approximately three hours for standard extraction-based quantitative PCR processes and can handle up to 2,600 samples per eight-hour shift per cycler. As a result, labs can significantly accelerate the time to result and the frequency of viral testing. With only three small pipette tips needed per sample, the kit keeps plastic usage to a minimum, while providing significant cost savings by reducing reagent use and labor utilization.

Initial studies run by select public health research institutions have shown that the level of detection of the new QIAprep&amp Viral RNA UM Kit, when used with their assay, is similar to or better than regular PCR workflows, and that performance compares to standard public health protocols of the U.S. Centers of Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and others that use the gold standard for sample extraction.

Please find the full press release here

For an overview of QIAGEN’s coronavirus testing solutions, please visit http://www.qiagen.com/coronavirus