Eurofins Environment Testing Northern California: Wastewater (EWW) and Eurofins Pandemic Prevention Services (EPPS) have introduced a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) test for analysing the quantity of SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VoC) XBB.1.5 in wastewater.
The test supports the quantitative analysis of the rapidly developing XBB.1.5 variant in wastewater samples both domestically and globally.
Eurofins said that the highly sensitive ddPCR analytical method aids in the expansion of the extensive SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring platform of its network.
The test is said to be an adaptable, scalable wastewater monitoring platform for total SARS-CoV-2 and presently circulating VoCs. Its analytical sensitivity is claimed to be higher than other biological monitoring methods.
According to the Eurofins group, the test offers a real-time source of community health information using a 72-hour data turnaround time.
The ddPCR test has been developed with support from the global Eurofins network of wastewater monitoring experts.
The XBB.1.5 VoC is distinguished from other SARS-CoV-2 variants that are currently in circulation based on the identification of a single-point mutation.
Its launch is said to advance the strategic plan of Eurofins to monitor new VoCs in the US and react to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic’s changing environment.
The Eurofins wastewater surveillance offering aims to empower the community and stakeholders to make evidence-based decisions for pandemics.
The company stated: “Governments, public institutions, and businesses have leveraged wastewater monitoring to protect the populations they serve, Eurofins companies offer technical expertise and support to ensure their strategies and mitigation efforts remain effective.”
In March last year, Eurofins Viracor and Cornell University signed an exclusive licensing agreement to market novel assays to assess organ and tissue damage in transplant and Covid-19 patients.
