26 February 2021 - - Singapore-based Vela Diagnostics has added ViroKey SQ FLEX SARS-CoV-2 Genotyping Assay and ViroKey SARS-CoV-2 ID RT-PCR Test to its portfolio offering, the company said.

The ViroKey SQ FLEX SARS-CoV-2 Genotyping Assay harnesses next-generation sequencing technology to sequence the whole SARS-CoV-2 genome.

The accompanying Sentosa SQ Reporter software calls out mutations and classifies them by lineage, thereby aiding in the research and understanding of the molecular epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to WHO, whole genome sequencing is essential for improving effectiveness/sensitivity of molecular diagnostics, serological assays, vaccine design and anti-viral therapy, and aiding investigation of transmission routes and outbreak clusters.

The ViroKey SARS-CoV-2 ID RT-PCR Test is able to quickly identify variants present in positive samples. Variants include the B.1.1.7, B.1.351 (South Africa) and P.1 (Brazil) lineages.

The variant identification test can be used in conjunction with the ViroKey SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test v2.0, which has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization, CE-IVD and TGA approval, and HSA Provisional Authorization.

Vela Diagnostics is a provider for integrated IVD system solutions.

Vela's test solutions utilize the automated Sentosa platform, providing the ability to leverage one system for NGS and PCR testing in infectious disease and oncology.