Molecular Multi-Target Assay Design Coupled with Follow-Up Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Mutations

Abstract: This webinar focuses on the impact of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants on molecular diagnostic testing and techniques for identifying emerging mutations. First, Dr. Alan McNally shares how B.1.1.7 was discovered in the UK, highlights the role played by a molecular diagnostic assay in its detection, and discusses design principles that aid in the development of effective and robust molecular diagnostic assays. In the second part, Dr. Emmanuel André discusses an approach to identifying specific SARS-CoV-2 variants using a targeted mutation panel as a follow-up test, and he provides details as well as advantages of using this approach for wide-scale SARS-CoV-2 surveillance.

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Mutations: Impact on TaqPath Assay Performance and its Clinical Implications

Abstract: The emergence of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants brings fast-moving questions for clinical laboratory administrators about the ability to identify new potential coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 variants. One of the most notable is how standard COVID-19 testing can be positioned to detect these new variants, particularly now that the S-gene dropout issue has been discovered. This webinar will focus on the important clinical implications (epidemiological, prognostic, and predictive) of these “variants of concern,” the importance of early detection of these variants, and the steps your lab can take to confidently detect the COVID-19 virus with a very high degree of specificity and sensitivity, and identify the S-gene dropout.

Molecular Testing, Strain Identification and Quality Control Strategies for COVID-19 Testing

Abstract: Dr. Manohar Furtado presents the design and validation of robust assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, including nucleic acid extraction, multiplexed PCR assays, and interpretive software solutions. Dr. Furtado also discusses strategies and methods for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, strain identification, and detection of key mutations which are important methods to help contain pandemics and to deploy new vaccines and antiviral drugs.