Bio-Rad’s Multi-Target Reliance SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB RT-PCR and Reliance SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay Kits Granted FDA EUA

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 15 Feb 2021

Image: Reliance SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay Kit (Photo courtesy of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.)

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (Hercules, CA, USA) has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Reliance SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB RT-PCR and Reliance SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay Kits.

The multi-target Reliance SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB RT-PCR Assay Kit simultaneously detects and differentiates SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B in a single multiplex reaction. The highly sensitive respiratory pathogen panel is intended for use with nasopharyngeal swabs and anterior nasal swabs. The assay kit includes Bio-Rad positive and negative molecular controls and is validated to run on Bio-Rad's CFX Opus 96, CFX96 Touch, and CFX96 Dx qPCR Systems as well as qPCR systems offered by other manufacturers.

Bio-Rad’s Reliance SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay Kit is a multiplex test that targets two separate regions in the nucleocapsid gene (N1 and N2 regions) to ensure greater sensitivity and tolerance to potential mutations, which may occur within the viral genome over time, in the detection of SAR-CoV-2. The assay kit contains the company’s standard and negative molecular controls and is validated to run on the CFX Opus 96, CFX96 Touch, and CFX96 Dx qPCR Systems, the CFX Opus 384 and CFX384 Touch Systems for higher throughput testing and is validated to run on qPCR systems offered by other manufacturers. Designed to target the nucleocapsid gene, the assays are not affected by known coronavirus variants as determined by in-silico analysis.

"As the pandemic continues and with flu season upon us, it’s critical that labs have access to sensitive and reliable tests to help physicians guide patient treatment decisions," said Annette Tumolo, Bio-Rad EVP and President, Life Science Group. "We are pleased to receive the EUA for these two high-performing COVID assays, additional examples of Bio-Rad’s response during the pandemic as well as our ongoing commitment to improving human health."