TATA Medical and Diagnostics (TATA MD) has announced that its OmiSure RT-PCR test has been upgraded to detect the new BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron. In an evaluation carried out by ICMR and the Virus Research & Diagnostics Laboratory, Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mumbai, the upgraded OmiSure successfully detected BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron.

With this, the OmiSure RT-PCR test kit is now capable of detecting all the sub-lineages of Omicron prolific in India at present.

TATA MD OmiSure RT-PCR test was developed in partnership with ICMR and detected Omicron with 100 per cent concordance, as per the ICMR report. 

OmiSure RT-PCR test decreases the load on sequencing; allows healthcare authorities to assess the evolution of variants and take timely action to control spread. Additionally, samples negative for Omicron on the OmiSure test can be prioritised for sequencing as the chances of detecting other variants and newer mutations are higher in these samples.