RNAdvance Viral XP, from Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Indianapolis, has been added to the list of acceptable extraction methods for use with the covid-19 test developed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and referenced in FDA’s frequently asked questions about testing for SARS-CoV-2.1 Laboratories are now permitted to independently validate RNAdvance Viral XP for use.
“RNA extraction is essential today for reliable covid-19 testing,” says Thomas Marshall, PhD, genomics research and development leader at Beckman Coulter Life Sciences. “RNA extraction removes contaminants from the sample, which can interfere with the qRT-PCR test and result in a false negative.”
In March, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences published two demonstrated RNA extraction methods for viral samples. In May, the company formally launched RNAdvance Viral XP as a reagent kit for research use.
“Our team has worked diligently with customers and government entities to develop, refine, and validate proven viral extraction reagents during this time of increased need,” says Greg Milosevich, president of Beckman Coulter Life Sciences. “The entire Beckman Coulter Life Sciences family is proud our technology can now be used to expand covid-19 testing capabilities in laboratories around the world for the foreseeable future.”
For more information, visit Beckman Coulter Life Sciences.
Reference
1. What if I do not have . . .? [frequently asked questions, online]. Silver Spring, Md: Center for Devices and Radiological Health, FDA, 2020. Available at: www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/faqs-testing-sars-cov-2#whatif. Accessed June 4, 2020.
