Zymo Research has donated one million COVID-19 test kits that include its new DNA/RNA Shield - DirectDetect reagent and collection devices to Mapmygenome based in Hyderabad. Mapmygenome has provided COVID-19 testing throughout the pandemic at their state-of-the-art molecular testing, cGLP-compliant laboratory as well as an onsite laboratory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, where incoming passengers were tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

DNA/RNA Shield – DirectDetect, a reagent similar to Zymo Research's established DNA/RNA Shield, safeguards viral RNA from degradation for safe, ambient temperature collection and transportation of samples without the need for nucleic acid extraction. Removing the nucleic acid extraction step reduces the time to get PCR test results. Compared to other reagents, DNA/RNA Shield - DirectDetect does not inhibit downstream RT-PCR. The DNA/RNA Shield - DirectDetect testing kit contains the DNA/RNA Shield - DirectDetect reagent with swab collection devices.

"DNA/RNA Shield - DirectDetect enables countries seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases to perform COVID-19 testing without extraction; therefore, removing the barrier of limited extraction resources. It's our way of providing humanitarian support to people in need," said Dr Marc Van Eden, Vice President of Business Development at Zymo Research. "We teamed up with Mapmygenome because of their ability to rapidly deploy and analyse RT-PCR testing."

"In India, where testing supplies and vaccinations are difficult to obtain, testing is imperative to diagnosing the SARS-CoV-2 virus," said Anu Acharya, Founder and CEO, Mapmygenome. She continued, "While many biotechnology and testing suppliers have tended to concentrate on their domestic testing efforts, we appreciate Zymo Research's global humanitarian effort to help eradicate COVID-19."