Eurofins GeneScan Technologies Announces AOAC PTM Accreditation for the VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Detection Workflow on Environmental Surfaces under the AOAC SARS-CoV-2 Emergency Response Validation Program

LUXEMBOURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eurofins GeneScan Technologies (Paris:ERF) announces that the VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Solution has been evaluated and approved by the AOAC Performance Tested Methods^SM (PTM) Program on December 29, 2020 and awarded Emergency Response Validation PTM certification number 122006. The VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Solution is a comprehensive workflow for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces that includes swabbing of environmental surfaces, RNA extraction, analysis by Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and evaluation by an advanced algorithm.

Recent research has shown that virus contamination of environmental surfaces may lead to viral transfer and therefore an acceleration of outbreaks. The VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Solution includes all required reagents for surface sampling and ensures the effective uptake of the virus from various surface types. Within the VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 workflow the efficient removal of the virus from the swab and automated isolation of high quality RNA is guaranteed by the VIRSeek RNAExtractor AE1. Following RNA extraction, the lysates are analysed with the VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Mplex real-time RT-PCR kit. The kit is highly specific for the two regions N1/N2 on the SARS-CoV-2 N-gene, ensuring reliable results with a two target approach. The solution can be used on different surface types including plastic, stainless steel or cardboard. The evaluation of the results is facilitated by the FastFinder software, which uses advanced machine learning techniques for an automated and reliable analysis.

The Performance Tested Methods^SM (PTM) program of the AOAC Research Institute (based in Maryland, U.S.A.) provides an independent third-party review and certification for proprietary test method performance and is now reacting to the worldwide pandemic with its Emergency Response Validation program.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.eurofins-technologies.com/

About Eurofins Technologies

Building on the experience and scientific excellence of the Eurofins Group, Eurofins Technologies is a fast growing global provider of diagnostic technologies and industry-leading ELISA-based instruments in the field of bioanalytical testing for the food, feed, environmental, animal health, and clinical diagnostics industries.

Its R&D teams located at various sites around the world share their expertise in developing a wide range of innovative methods and applications with a focus on immunoassays and molecular testing. For further information, please visit the Eurofins Technologies website.