COVID-19: Shimadzu realizes PCR test of saliva: OK with new detection reagent kit
COVID-19:
-New Coronavirus: New Detection Reagent Kit-
Shimadzu:
On April 20, we released “New Coronavirus Detection Reagent Kit”.
Using this, we examined the accuracy of the PCR test on saliva and found that it was comparable to the nasopharyngeal swab.
PCR test on saliva:
Regarding the test using saliva, the Japanese Medical Association suggested us.
The cooperation of Hokkaido University Hospital for the actual accuracy evaluation.
Hokkaido University Hospital:
At Hokkaido University Hospital, inpatients will be examined for new coronavirus infections during surgery.
A PCR test on saliva was tentatively adopted for this screening test.
Increased production of new reagent kits:
Shimadzu has provided more than 200,000 specimens (2000 kits) of reagent kits since its release on April 20.
Initially, we announced 100,000 samples per month (1000 kits).
We will also report that the production volume has been increased to 300,000 samples (3000 kits).
Note:
This kit is a research reagent.
It has not been approved or certified as an in-vitro diagnostic drug under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
The use of this kit requires equipment such as a PCR device, pipette pipette, constant temperature bath, and small centrifuge, as well as sample / gene handling technology.
Therefore, we do not plan to sell to retail stores such as drug stores or individuals.
2020 | News | Shimadzu
https://www.shimadzu.co.jp/news/press/dnyo_7ubk6baumav.html
SHIMADZU CORPORATION :
Release of the “2019 Novel Coronavirus Detection Kit” Reduces labor and halves detection time
Shimadzu Corporation is announcing the release of its “2019 Novel Coronavirus Detection Kit”, with sales beginning on 20th April.
For the time being the kits will only be available in Japan, but preparations are underway to export these kits overseas from May onwards.
Current PCR methods for the detection of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
require the labor-intensive steps of RNA extraction and purification from samples collected via nasopharyngeal swabs or similar. This presents an obstacle to rapid detection when dealing with large numbers of samples.
This detection kit
eliminates the steps of RNA extraction and purification, significantly reducing the amount of work required to prepare samples,
and moreover halves the overall time required for PCR detection from over 2 hours to approximately 1 hour.
When using a PCR device with the capacity for 96 samples,
the workflow for all 96 samples can be completed within 1.5 hours.
In addition, the omission of manual RNA extraction reduces the risk of human error.