SARS-CoV-2 characterisation and variant identification

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for SARS-CoV-2 uses a mix of variant identification (to establish the presence of known variants) and virus characterisation (to identify circulating strains and identify new variants). The former uses specific sections / genes of interest for rapid variant identification via RT-PCR-based SNP assays or amplicon-based S-gene sequencing whereas the latter requires whole genome sequencing of the full viral genome.

Confirm known SARS-CoV-2 mutations
 

Once SARS-CoV-2 has be detected, our Applied Biosystems Taqman SARS-CoV-2 Mutation panels provide a quick, simple and cost-effective method for confirming known variants. Based on a one-step, real time reverse-transcriptase PCR assay, we offer a choice of up to 51 currently relevant variant assays (including Omnicron) from which to build your own custom mutation panel.

  • Cost effective – only track the mutations you need to monitor
  • Fast – variant results from RNA in just over an hour
  • Flexible – adapt your panel quickly as new variants emerge

Suitable for use with any real time PCR instrument.

 

Find out more

 

Confirm and monitor specific SARS-CoV-2 genes and variants

By focusing on key regions of the viral genome, Sanger sequencing offers a mid-way point between PCR assays and next generation sequencing (NGS). It can provide more detailed sequence information than PCR but offers a more accurate and cost-effective method than NGS. We offer four different Sanger sequencing protocols to cover your needs:

  • Protocol for finding and using Sanger sequencing primers for any location in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including new Variants of Concern
  • Rapid identification of 69/70 deletion for confirming S-gene drop-outs
  • Identification of novel mutations on the S gene for vaccine research
  • CDC validated primers for targeting any location within the SARS-CoV-2 genome

 

Find out more

Identify new SARS-CoV-2 mutations
 

Targeted Next Generation Sequencing using Ion Ampliseq SARS-CoV-2 Insight Research Assay offers surveillance of the full viral genome to identify new and emerging variants:

  • Go from RNA to data and report on new variants in less than 24 hours
  • Confidently sequence low viral titer samples like wastewater (Ct >28)
  • Intelligent design – reduce assay failure from new, emerging variants with variant tolerant primers
WE44885-blog

SARS-CoV-2 characterisation and variant identification

Download our infographic

How can we help?
 

Thermo Fisher Scientific is committed to providing solutions for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and testing and have been working with leading researchers in the field to develop a complete workflow from sample collection to viral detection to support wastewater testing.

If you are setting up a SARS-CoV-2 or infectious disease wastewater testing programme or already have a programme in place and would like to know how we can help, please get in touch.

Contact a specialist

WE44885-product-imageA

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

 

Style Sheet for Global Design System
Style Sheet for Komodo Tabs