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3. Adding COVID-19 and other virus testing to your laboratory

In the previous chapter, the most common testing methodologies for COVID-19 and other coronaviruses was discussed in detail. The common thread among them all was the use of real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays for testing.

"The PCR technique has been found to be useful in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research activities as well as microbial quality testing. The technique is also applied in genetic engineering. It is used to identify genes related to certain phenotypes including genetic disorders. Regular testing of the microbial load of raw materials and finished products is an important process in the pharmaceutical & biotechnology industry. Sophisticated analytical methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have been widely applied for quality control analysis in the pharmaceutical sector."

"Continuous technology advancements are making it more efficient and user-friendly, but the high cost of the instruments, servicing contracts, and reagents pose major challenges for the market, especially to the price-sensitive academics. Currently, the market players are involved in enhancing the capabilities of the PCR systems, and increasing its specificity and sensitivity."

The explosion of new coronavirus tests that could help to end the pandemic https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02140-8

Methods for speeding up PCR:

• Journal:Fast SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-qPCR in preheated nasopharyngeal swab samples
• https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2020/07/29/streamlined-diagnostic-approach-to-covid-19-can-avoid-potential-testing-logjam/

3.1 The equipment

Instruments

Eppendorf Mastercycler Pro S, a thermal cycler for PCR and other applications

Thermal cyclers (a.k.a. PCR machines) - standard PCR systems, RT PCR - advantages of digital PCR systems such as precision, sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility, direct quantification and multiplexing, and speed of the analysis systems, and digital PCR systems "The market is witnessing an emerging trend of digital and droplet digital PCR technology, which is sensitive and accurate than the traditional method."

Reagents

template DNA, PCR primers and probes, dNTPs, PCR buffers, enzymes, and master mixes

Consumables

PCR tubes, plates, and other accessories

3.2 The vendors

Major players operating in the global PCR market are Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., QIAGEN N.V., F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Becton, Dickinson and Company, Abbott, Siemens Healthcare GmbH (Siemens AG), bioMérieux SA, Danaher Corporation, and Agilent Technologies. Merck KGaA, Promega