Bio-Rad Laboratories, a life science research and clinical diagnostic products company, has launched the Bio-Plex Pro Human IgA and IgM SARS-CoV-2 panels to detect IgA and IgM antibodies against four SARS-CoV-2 antigens. The panels are for research use only (RUO).

The Bio-Plex Pro Human IgA SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2/N/RBD 4-Plex Panel and the Bio-Plex Pro Human IgM SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2/N/RBD 4-Plex Panel join Bio-Rad’s existing Bio-Plex Pro Human IgG SARS-CoV-2 N/RBD/S1/S2 4-Plex Panel to complete the set of three separate qualitative multiplex immunoassays that provide detection of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against four SARS-CoV-2 antigens. The panels assist researchers in developing vaccines, and the panels also help public health researchers who perform seroprevalence studies based on serology specimens to identify individuals who may have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. These individuals may have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 and could have experienced only mild symptoms, or they could be asymptomatic.

Candice Cox, Bio-Rad Immunoassays marketing manager, Life Science Group, said: “The multiplex immunoassay panels help vaccine developers determine therapeutic efficacy, from development through clinical phases and then later on in post-market surveillance studies. Detecting levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in an individual provides valuable information about possible exposure rates in a population or about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing the spread of this disease.”