Thermo Fisher Scientific confirmed that its TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit, and TaqPath COVID-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR Kit can accurately detect the presence of the new Omicron variant in SARS-CoV-2 samples. The test works on the primer-probe detection method and is not impacted by the emerging B.1.1.529, or Omicron variant.

The TaqPath COVID-19 assays detect SARS-CoV-2 infections by identifying the presence of three gene targets from the orf1a/b, S, and N regions of the virus. While the S gene target in the test is impacted in the presence of Omicron variant mutations, the orf1a/b and N gene targets in the TaqPath COVID-19 tests have been determined to not be impacted by any of the mutations. 

“Thermo Fisher is committed to supporting the world's pandemic response by developing innovative, adaptive and resilient testing solutions. Our TaqPath Assays are developed with additional built-in checks to ensure that clinicians, researchers and public health officials have access to effective tools to accurately detect for mutations as the virus continues to evolve,” said Amit Chopra, MD, India and South Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific. 

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