Thermo Fisher Scientific’s PCR Test Remains Accurate for the Omicron Variant

The World Health Organization has classified the Omicron variation as a “variant of concern” since the spike protein has over 30 mutations. Preliminary data shows that when making comparisons between Omicron and other virus variants, this one has a higher transmission rate. As a result of this information, new travel restrictions have been imposed, as well as study into the variant’s influence on the efficacy of existing vaccinations and testing. The variation was originally discovered in South Africa, and cases have since been documented in more than 12 countries globally.

Only one of the genes in the PCR test is affected by the new South African variant, so the other genes have been proven to be unaffected by any of the Omicron variant mutations. Consequently, the TaqPath Covid 19 tests’ (PCR) remain an accurate indicator of the virus.

Thermo Fisher has additionally manufactured a subsequent test with the aim of being able to detect any new Covid 19 mutations.

Tulio de Oliveira, director at the Stellenbosch University and UKZN, said that “The Thermo Fisher test allowed us to detect cases that may contain the new variant by identifying samples exhibiting S-gene dropout. This early identification is very important in helping us track and understand the spread of the B.1.1.529 variant to South Africa and the world.”

Mark Stevenson at Thermo Fisher Scientific explained how “Like all viruses, we have always known that SARS-CoV-2 would continue to mutate, and that effective testing strategies are a key to curbing the pandemic. That is why we developed assays with additional built-in checks and balances, to ensure that clinicians, researchers and public health officials would have effective tools to accurately test for Covid 19 even as the genetic makeup of the virus evolved.”