Qiagen Launches CE-Marked High-Throughput SARS-CoV-2 Test Kit that Can Triple Daily Lab Testing Capacity

(Venlo, Netherlands) has launched the artus SARS-CoV-2 Prep&Amp UM Kit which uses a liquid based sample preparation technology to simplify and increase COVID-19 testing throughput.

The artus SARS-CoV-2 Prep&Amp UM Kit has been CE-IVD registered for use in the European Union and other markets and an application for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) has been submitted to the FDA, allowing commercialization via notification in the US. QIAGEN’s innovative artus SARS-CoV-2 Prep&Amp UM Kit integrates a liquid-based sample preparation that takes no more than two minutes with the provided real-time PCR assay. The kit uses common transport media like Universal Transport Media (UTM) as the starting material, and provide all reagents required for sample to result on suspected SARS-CoV-2 patient samples.

The streamlined workflow delivers results considerably faster than standard extraction-based Real-Time PCR processes - and can support up to 672 samples per cycler in an eight-hour shift. Additionally, due to the short workflow the quantity and volume of waste created is considerably lower. The artus SARS-CoV-2 Prep&Amp UM Kit is based on the same technology that was launched in October 2020 as QIAprep& for research applications. It has since proved its ability to detect the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen to be similar to regular PCR workflows.

“The launch of our artus SARS-CoV-2 Prep&Amp test is an important step as it expands our portfolio of testing solutions for COVID-19,” said Jean-Pascal Viola, Senior Vice President, Head of the Molecular Diagnostics Business Area and Corporate Business Development at QIAGEN. “We continue to see the need for a large volume of PCR tests as COVID-19 cases continue around the world - and our novel technology will enable clinical labs to drastically increase testing capacity with existing infrastructure. It is also an exciting and versatile technology with additional potential applications.”