Diagnostics firm launches new products to support COVID-19 testing

Clinical diagnostics specialist Novacyt has launched three new products to support laboratories testing for COVID-19.

These are Exsig Direct and Exsig Mag, two RNA extraction kits for use prior to running a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19, and COVID-HT, a high-throughput test for COVID-19.   

The extraction of RNA is a key pre-analytical step in COVID-19 testing and must be performed before running the PCR test on the RNA extract. The two kits can be used with all open instrument platforms for running a PCR test and offer customers different benefits; Exsig Direct aims to provide workflow improvements whilst Exsig Mag offers enhanced sensitivity of the company’s COVID-19 test. 

Exsig Direct is a direct-to-PCR extraction kit which removes the need for automated magnetic bead extraction systems. It is designed to be used with the COVID-19 test in the hope of improving laboratory workflow, reduce cycle times, increase throughput by up to 50% and reduce costs. It uses a combination of optimised buffers to extract COVID-19 RNA from clinical samples. These buffers have been specifically designed and clinically tested to ensure the high level of testing performance of the company’s COVID-19 test is maintained.

Exsig Mag is a new extraction kit designed to run on multiple automated magnetic bead extraction systems commonly used by clinical laboratories around the world. Exsig Mag has been developed to enhance extraction of COVID-19 RNA from clinical samples and, when used in combination with the company’s COVID-19 test, offers ultra-sensitive detection of COVID-19. Exsig Mag can also be used in combination with other COVID-19 PCR tests.  

COVID-HT is a new test for COVID-19 optimised for use in laboratories performing high volumes of tests. The CE mark test has been designed and validated to perform at the same high levels of specificity and sensitivity as the company’s existing COVID-19 test.

COVID-HT uses the company’s master mix which requires no premixing, and the test components are packaged to facilitate a more streamlined workflow in a highly automated laboratory setting. As a result, COVID-HT is expected to improve operational efficiency and save time and labour associated with handling and preparing the test for use. 

Graham Mullis, Group CEO of Novacyt, said: “As we continue to supply our COVID-19 test to laboratories around the world, we are delighted to provide further support through the launch of these new products. We believe there will be significant demand for our new extraction kits, particularly at this time when automated RNA extraction reagents are in short supply. In addition, our high-throughput test, for use in large volume clinical laboratories, should enable more efficient workflow which is critical to achieve optimal testing volumes. We look forward to continuing to work with our customers to support their testing requirements through new and innovative solutions.”