The VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Mplex kit detects two targets on the N-gene (nucleocapsid) sequence, N1 and N2*, which are both detected in the FAMTM channel, thereby fulfilling these requirements. The primer / probe combination of this PCR system is highly specific for SARS-CoV-2 and does not cross-react with SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, or the seasonal human coronaviruses HKU1, OC43, NL63, 229E.
Furthermore, cross-reactivity was experimentally excluded for various animal Coronaviruses, food-related viruses, typical background flora and several food matrices. The VIRSeek SARS-CoV-2 Mplex kit provides all reagents for the rapid detection of the SARS-CoV-2 N1 and N2 regions of the N-gene on environmental and food surfaces via real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, an optional extraction control that allows monitoring of the extraction procedure as well as potential PCR inhibition is included.
The kit is intended to be used by analytical laboratories for environmental surface samples as part of quality control / quality assurance testing, (e.g. virological monitoring of production processes) or food surface testing. The kit is not intended for clinical diagnostics and should therefore be regarded as “For Research Use Only”.