The aim of the test, developed in conjunction with the CIBERER biobank, is to allow safe handling of the samples received by the biobanks to analyze whether they are free of coronavirus
Sequencing Multiplex (Seqplexing), a biotechnology-based company located in the University of Valencia Science Park, has designed a kit for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in biobank cell cultures. The first to use it in its facilities has been the biobank of the Center for Biomedical Research Network on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), where samples of high biological value are centralized.
"The main objective of this kit that we have prepared together with the CIBERER biobank is to guarantee the safety of research personnel when working with cultures, as we ensure that these are free of coronavirus," stresses Carmen Ivorra, scientific director of Seqplexing. "This kit is especially useful," continues Ivorra, "for those laboratories that do not have quantitative PCR equipment in their facilities".
The test is easy to use and allows the detection of the virus from the purified RNA of the cell culture medium. It does so through the technique of RT-PCR at the end time, in a single reaction and with high sensitivity. "It also includes an internal quality control of the samples and of the retrotranscription process to avoid false negatives", explains the scientific director of Seqplexing.