Variants of Concern (VOCs) – a growing watch list
A number of concerning lineages classified as VOCs are associated with either higher transmissibility, virulence or ability to evade the immune response gained through prior infection or vaccination. The mutations in the viral genome of these variants are associated with change in 'fitness' or are unique to their lineage and can therefore be used as genetic markers for genotyping. It allows discriminating from the wild-type (WT) strain or other variants. Confronting these new variants demands constant surveillance and accelerated development of innovative early-detection tools.
Same-day SARS-CoV-2 genotyping results
Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods are available for variant surveillance, qRT-PCR and Pyrosequencing present notably quicker options for highly sensitive detection of specific mutations and VOCs, generating same-day genotyping results.
QIAGEN leverages its expertise in assay design for these two technologies to provide your lab with high-performance genotyping assays.
QIAGEN leverages its expertise in assay design for these two technologies to provide your lab with high-performance genotyping assays.
Constant surveillance and accelerated development
The SARS-CoV-2 virus keeps constantly evolving through mutations, and these are cause for concern. To keep pace, we continue to develop and verify new genotyping assays. Want to be the first to learn whenever a new assay becomes available?
Pyrosequencing workflow
References:
1. Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: technical briefings. Public Health England. See all updates.