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Development of the one-step qualitative RT-PCR assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant in respiratory specimens
Preprint
in English
| medRxiv
| ID: ppmedrxiv-22268772
ABSTRACT
A new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant of Concern has been emerging worldwide. We are seeing an unprecedented surge in patients due to Omicron in this COVID-19 pandemic. A rapid and accurate molecular test that effectively differentiates Omicron from other SARS-CoV-2 variants would be important for both epidemiologic value and for directing variant-specific therapies such as monoclonal antibody infusions. In this study, we developed a real-time RT-PCR assay for the qualitative detection of Omicron from routine clinical specimens sampling the upper respiratory tract. The limit of detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant RT-PCR assay was 2 copies/l. Notably, the assay did not show any cross-reactivity with other SARS-CoV-2 variants including Delta (B.1.617.2). This SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant RT-PCR laboratory-developed assay is sensitive and specific to detect Omicron in nasopharyngeal and nasal swab specimens.
cc_by_nc_nd
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Preprints
Database:
medRxiv
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Rct
Language:
English
Year:
2022
Document type:
Preprint
