Rospotrebnadzor has created world's first test to identify "British" strain of coronavirus

The Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor has developed and registered a test system for detecting the mutation of coronavirus N501Y ("British" strain) - a set of reagents AmpliSens® SARS-CoV-2-UK-IT.

According to the department's press service, the test can quickly identify the presence of a mutant strain, which is done through a special selection of oligonucleotides. It allows excluding false positives when detecting a mutation for very high viral load samples.

The reagent kit has successfully passed clinical trials and is registered for use in the Russian Federation. The test system is highly accurate; it can be used to develop reagents for the detection of any other mutations in SARS-CoV-2, as well as other infectious pathogens where rapid mass testing is required (pandemic infections).

The discovery of the "British" strain in the UK became known at the end of December 2020. The mutant virus does not cause a more severe course of infection. Besides, it has the same method of spread - mainly airborne. Prevention measures are the same: isolation of the infected, maintaining social distance, using personal protective equipment, and vaccination.