To execute COVID-19 testing strategies effectively, labs need to procure reliable components of the workflow without interruption – from reagents to equipment and consumables at the scale they need, when they need them. PerkinElmer has more than 20 years of experience in optimizing and successfully delivering complete workflows suitable to meet various demands. The company’s comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 offerings span automated RNA extraction, liquid handling, nucleic acid tests and immunoassays. PerkinElmer’s RT-PCR kit for SARS-CoV-2 detection in combination with chemagic™ Viral DNA/RNA 300 Kit H96 and the chemagic™ 360 instrument delivers the most sensitive COVID-19 diagnostic test in the market. Labs now also have the option to accept saliva specimens, asymptomatic samples and implement pooling using the CE-marked PerkinElmer SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR Assay. These critical advancements have been made possible by PerkinElmer’s robust chemistry and stringent manufacturing systems. Building off this strong foundation, PerkinElmer’s new CE-marked PKamp™ Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Panel enables detection and differentiation between SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial viruses using a single test, to help labs manage the surge in testing demand during the flu season.

Learning Objectives:

1. Why is the Limit of Detection (LOD) of an RT-PCR assay important for COVID-19 testing?

2. How are technical enhancements improving testing efficiency?

3. What options are available to manage the surge in testing demand during the flu season?