Effective RNA extraction for COVID-19 testing

Speakers

Abstract
In 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS‑CoV-2) was identified as the source of a pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China. The extraordinarily rapid spread of this disease, termed COVID-19, triggered numerous and urgent challenges to health systems, diagnostic laboratories and research communities throughout the world. Demand for reproducible and fast nucleic acid extraction has been unprecedented and as a result has become a limiting factor for COVID-19 detection globally.  The most sensitive and reliable method of detection is the RT-PCR molecular swab test but one challenge that still remains is the need to increase the throughput of the RNA extraction step. 
 
Join Gabriel Fernandez de Pierola and Christopher Norey to hear how the Sera-Xtracta™ Virus/Pathogen Kit* provides a simple and rapid method to optimize the workflow for the sensitive detection of bacteria and viruses, including: Adenovirus (Type 14), Influenza A (H3N2) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).  Compatible with a range of sample types including respiratory biological matrices, blood and universal transport media and Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) applications. 
 
* The Sera-Xtracta™ Virus/Pathogen Kit is for research use only (RUO).
 
Learning objectives:
  • Review current COVID-19 diagnostic technologies
  • Understand effective RNA extraction through magnetic bead technology
  • Consider relevant performance data of magnetic bead extraction