SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing
SARS-CoV-2 (previously 2019-nCoV) is a member of the coronavirus family and the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since the first cases of a severe respiratory disease were reported from Wuhan, China, in December 2019, infections have spread rapidly around the world.
Considering the rapid escalation and propagation of the COVID-19 worldwide, testing is indispensable and required in large quantities all over the world.
altona Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kits detect Omicron sequence variant
The SARS-CoV-2 variant known as Omicron (B.1.1.529) was first detected in South Africa, and more cases have recently been confirmed worldwide. For the first time since the emergence of the Delta variant, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern (VOC).
Recent reactivity analysis by altona Diagnostics confirmed that the S gene assays contained in the RealStar® and AltoStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kits detect all described genetic variants including the Omicron variant.
Download PDF with more information about the detection of the Omicron variant with altona RealStar® and AltoStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kits.
Current altona SARS-CoV-2 test kits reactivity analysis
Reactivity of molecular diagnostic tests is determined by the sequences of the oligonucleotides contained in the reaction mix. RNA viruses in particular have an inherently high mutation rate leading to changes in the genome sequence during every replication event. SARS-CoV-2 is no exception. We at altona Diagnostics are well aware of the importance to constantly monitor the emerging and circulating sequences and we update the reactivity analysis of our assays on a regular basis. Mutations in the viral genome occur in every gene and untranslated region and are not limited to the S gene. Our S gene assay is located in a conserved region coding for the membrane fusion subunit (domain 2) of the spike protein. Until now, we have not found any mutations that would cause our S gene assay to fail.
Download PDF with latest results from current altona reactivity investigations (May 14, 2023)
RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.0
The CE-IVD certified RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.0 consists of Master Reagents, Positive Control and an Internal Control and delivers highly reliable results. It is designed as a dual target assay and allows rapid screening of all lineage B-betacoronaviruses and confirms the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific RNA in only one reaction.
Find out more about the RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.0
AltoStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.5
The CE-IVD marked AltoStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.5 extends the altona Diagnostics test kit portfolio for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific RNA. The assay is intended for use with the automated AltoStar® Molecular Diagnostic Workflow and complements the existing RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 detection kits for use with open platforms. In addition, altona provides a corresponding kit for influenza virus detection, the AltoStar® Influenza Screen & Type RT-PCR Kit 1.5.
Find out more about the AltoStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.5
Find out more about the AltoStar® Influenza Screen & Type RT-PCR Kit 1.5
New altona product line FlexStar® starts with parallel-detection SARS-CoV-2/influenza PCR kits
FlexStar® is the quick and flexible real-time PCR product line allowing syndrome-based testing of different pathogens. Responding to the current situation, altona starts with dual target detection kits for SARS-CoV-2 (E gene and S gene) and Influenza A and B.
- Optimized PCR design for fast cycling – 96 results per real-time PCR cycler in just 1 hour
- Dual target detection of SARS-CoV-2 – safe detection of all described virus variants
- High performance – high sensitivity
- Different assay configurations available – differential detection of SARS E gene and S gene plus influenza or influenza A&B differentiation plus SARS (E gene and S gene)
RealStar® Respiratory Kit Bundle
Distinguishing respiratory tract infections is vital for patient management and epidemiological control. altona Diagnostics offers CE-marked RealStar® PCR kits for detecting three pathogens, namely SARS-CoV-2, Influenza viruses and RSV.
Each kit bundle can be ordered with a total of 384 reactions per included assay and will be available at special prices in your country. For an individual offer please contact your local sales representative.
Download the Respiratory Kit Bundle flyer
Find out more about the RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.0
Find out more about the RealStar® Influenza Screen & Type RT-PCR Kit 4.0
Find out more about the RealStar® RSV RT-PCR Kit 3.0