(Charlotte, NC): Following a thorough analysis, Lighthouse Lab Services announces its SARS-CoV-2 assays will detect the Omicron variant.
Lighthouse Lab Services has conducted an analysis of all publicly available genetic sequences of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant obtained through GISAID–Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data and confirmed that none of the new mutations present in the Omicron variant occur within regions of the genome targeted by Lighthouse’s CovidNow SARS-CoV-2 Assay and SalivaNow SARS-CoV-2 Assay. This means that Lighthouse’s assays will continue to deliver accurate test results for SARS-CoV-2 infections, as all Lighthouse SARS-CoV-2 assays will detect all known variants, including the Omicron variant.
The Omicron variant was designated a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Preliminary reports suggest that the variant may pose an increased risk of transmission. The variant was first identified in South Africa and has now been reported in numerous other African, European, and North American countries, including the United States.
“Lighthouse Lab Services will continue its ongoing analysis and testing to confirm our assays continue to accurately detect any new variants which may arise,” said Sarah Harris, PhD, Chief Technical Officer of Lighthouse Lab Services. “Our assays are designed to target regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome that are more likely to be conserved and less prone to mutations. As a result, we are confident that our assays will provide robust and accurate performance as SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve.”
To learn more about Lighthouse’s SARS-CoV-2 assays, please visit our website.
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Media Contact:
Dustin Suntheimer, Director of Marketing, Lighthouse Lab Services
Phone: 734-972-2693
Email: dustin.suntheimer@lighthouselabservices.com
About Lighthouse Lab Services:
Lighthouse Lab Services is a healthcare consulting and management firm that offers end-to-end technical and business services to clinical, medical, and industrial laboratories across the country. Service offerings include assistance with licensure and compliance with CLIA, COLA, CAP, and other laboratory quality and accreditation requirements, scientific method development and validation for a variety of applications ranging from toxicology to infectious disease, as well as operational solutions. The Company boasts a deep bench of Ph.D. and masters-level analytical chemists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, and laboratory scientists, as well as experienced teams specializing in executive recruiting and staffing and supply chain and logistics management. Lighthouse is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, learn more at www.lighthouselabservices.com.