SARS-CoV-2 is the viral source of the ongoing global outbreak of COVID19. Although the virus is primarily transmitted from person to person via droplets, there have been concerns about the tenacity of the virus on surfaces resulting in a potential transmission via contaminated surfaces. To enable organisations, such as microbiological laboratories or health authorities, to detect the presence or confirm the absence of the virus as well as enabling the monitoring of cleaning measures, Eurofins GeneScan Technologies GmbH has developed the following two real-time RT-PCR kits:

• VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Screen
  enables the screening for the E-gene, which encodes for the viral envelope surrounding coronaviruses.
• VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Ident
  is an assay for the specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2 by detecting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. 

The kits were designed to be used in conjunction, with the Ident assay confirming positive results of the Screen assay. Both kits effortlessly integrate into the VIRSeek Solution, which covers all the necessary steps from RNA extraction and process control to screening and identification. In addition to a manual workflow, an automated process is currently being developed and will be available soon, for a more efficient RNA extraction.

To find out more about the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in surface samples using the VIRSeek Solution please contact us via the 'Request Information' below.