The S gene assay of each altona SARS-CoV-2 kit 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.

The S gene assays contained in the RealStar® and AltoStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kits detect all recently described genetic variants including the strains identified in farmed minks in Denmark and the currently circulating UK variant.

The CE-IVD marked AltoStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit 1.5 completes the altona Diagnostics test kit portfolio for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific RNA.

The AltoStar® Norovirus RT-PCR Kit 1.5 is an automated in vitro diagnostic test, based on real-time PCR technology, for the qualitative detection and differentiation of norovirus genogroup I (GI) and II (GII) specific RNA in human stool samples.

SARS-CoV-2, Influenza viruses and RSV cause respiratory tract infections, with very similar symptoms such as fever, cough and headache. A differential diagnosis only based on symptoms is often not possible.

On November 6, 2020, Senator Michael Westhagemann (Head of the State Ministry for Economic and Innovation) visited the diagnostic company.