Mumbai-based HiMedia Laboratories has announced that their RT-PCR kits are capable of detecting the recently discovered BF.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant. The portfolio includes:

• MBPCR243 – A 4 Gene COVID-19 Multiplex Detection Kit
• MBPCR255 – Hi-PCR® Triplex COVID-19 Detection Kit

The company tested the impact of the variant on their Triplex PCR Kit. Mutations, especially in RNA viruses are expected and SARS-CoV-2 is no exception.

“Multiplexing has the advantage of higher sensitivity as it detects more than one region of the target, while also being capable of detecting mutations. As the new variant is wreaking a havoc worldwide, it becomes imperative to test the accuracy of the existing kits” says Dr Rajas V Warke – Director of HiGenoMB® and Virology, HiMedia Labs.

To determine whether their RT-PCR kits can detect the BF.7 variant of the virus, the R&D team at HiGenoMB® analysed the sequenced data in depth. This CE-IVD and CDSCO approved kit that also detected the earlier variants such as the Delta and Omicron has shown 100% binding, indicating that the new found variant will not hamper the sensitivity of the kit (MBPCR255).