FAQ
The kit is designed for 100 tests.
The larger hospitals have automated PCR analysis lines. We have taken this into account in the development.
Since the typical automated liquid handling systems (ALH) are very flexible regarding the vials, the kit should be applicable on most common ALH or integrated automated PCR assay setups such as QiaSymphony and Hologic.
The test should be able to be performed with all RNA isolation kits. We tested the kit with the insulation kits from Qiagen and Sigma-Aldrich.
The test runs on common real-time cyclers. Only RNA isolation kits are required.
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RT-PCR reaction tubes with caps or foils
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DEPC H2O / Aqua dest. / WFI (Ampuwa®)
- Piston pipettes (0,5 – 1000 μl) and tips
No cooling is required for transport. Therefore, significantly lower logistics costs can be expected.
For permanent storage we recommend a control temperature of - 20 degrees Celsius.
There is no need for a software, the labs do an excel based data analysis based on CT values.
So far, we tested throat swabs at BAG and in customer labs.
Blood and stool samples have a higher risk of PCR failure due to "common inhibitors" and usually low virus titres and are, therefore, not recommended.
This varies widely from country to country. You can obtain information from the health ministry of your country.
We have already applied for Fast-Track CE approval. The first kits will be RUO. (As of March 30, 2020)
The test is CE IVD certified.
We have an extensive stock. In addition, thanks to short lead times, we can also realize larger orders in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Currently, we have focused on the detection of COVID-19, as it is detectable immediately after infection. This allows us to very quickly localize infected persons as carriers of the virus. Antibodies are built at the earliest from the second week of infection. Therefore, these tests are not effective in the first, highly infectious phase of the disease.
However, we are working with partners on a rapid antibody test. This is intended to identify recovered patients reliably. The same applies to the estimated number of untested persons who have produced antibodies with only minor symptoms or without findings and are therefore immunized.