Are You Ready for Monkeypox PCR Tests?

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche said Wednesday it had come up with PCR tests that can detect monkeypox.

Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol have developed three test kits which are for use by researchers in most countries worldwide, the Basel-based firm said.

For the three test kits:

1. Detects viruses in the orthopoxvirus group
2. Detects monkeypox viruses only
3. Detects both simultaneously

JUST IN: Roche develops PCR tests to detect monkeypox virushttps://t.co/Xhm1jUgCkU

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) May 25, 2022

“Roche has very quickly developed a new suite of tests that detect the monkeypox virus and aid in following its epidemiologic spread,” said diagnostics chief Thomas Schinecker.

“Diagnostic tools are crucial for responding to and ultimately controlling emerging public health challenges as they advance response measures such as tracing efforts and treatment strategies.”

From GlobeNewswire:

The first LightMix Modular Virus kit detects orthopoxviruses, including all monkeypox viruses from both the West African and Central African forms of the virus (referred to as clades).The second kit is a specific test detecting monkeypox viruses only (West African and Central African clade). For researchers interested in obtaining both of these results, a third kit is available that simultaneously detects orthopoxviruses plus provides information on whether a monkeypox virus is present or not (West African and Central African clade).

The test kits are available for research use in the majority of countries worldwide.

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About the LightMix® Modular Orthopox / MonkeypoxVirus kits

The LightMix® Modular Orthopox /Monkeypox Virus Kits are assays that detect Orthopoxviruses, including the monkeypox virus, using a technology called quantitative PCR (qPCR). To do this, first sample using an established NA extraction method. The assay is then performed on either a LightCycler® 480 II Instrument or cobas z 480 Analyzer. The kit, reagents and instruments are all available to purchase from the majority of Roche Diagnostics affiliates.

Recall that The National Pulse reported days ago that the Wuhan Lab assembled monkeypox strains so they’d be able to conduct PCR tests with the virus.

A few months ago, the Wuhan Institute of Virology assembled Monkeypox strains so they’d be able to conduct PCR tests with the virus in the future. https://t.co/b6rsphirte

— Natalie Winters (@nataliegwinters) May 22, 2022

Wuhan Lab Recently Assembled Monkeypox Strains Using Method Flagged For Creating ‘Contagious Pathogens’