Thermo Fisher Scientific has updated its Applied Biosystems TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel to detect the Delta and Lambda strains. 

First launched in March 2021, the research panel features a customisable menu of verified real-time PCR assays for identification of SARS-CoV-2 mutations.

The panel enables laboratories to track known mutations by selecting from a menu of over 50 assays designed to screen for different variants. The TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel is highly scalable, allowing up to hundreds of samples to be run to identify one or multiple mutations so labs can scale their surveillance operations based on testing need.

Manoj Gandhi, senior medical director for Genetic Testing Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific, said: "SARS-CoV-2 will continue to evolve, potentially creating an increased risk of infection in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Surveillance testing is critical as we learn to live with this virus. Customisable panels like this are a convenient option to scale surveillance testing using existing PCR instruments, as well as provide results quickly so swift public health countermeasures can be implemented to limit the spread of the virus."

The TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel provides results in about an hour and is based on gold standard TaqMan SNP genotyping assay technology, which helps detect and distinguish mutations efficiently. The panel can be used with real-time PCR instruments and technology widely used in labs globally.