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Russian COVID-19 test system can detect UK and other coronavirus strains

01 February 2021 19:44 (UTC +04:00)

Russia’s Sistema-BioTech, a subsidiary of the Sistema Joint Stock Financial Corporation, confirmed the possibility of detection of mutated SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, including the British one, using previously developed test systems, the company announced Monday, APA reports citing TASS.

"A research we’ve conducted has confirmed the possibility of detection of the mutated coronavirus strains, including the British one, as well as others, using the test systems, developed by Sistema-BioTech," the company said.

The first test system is a set of chemical substances for detection of the causative agent’s RNA via the PCR method in real time. Besides, the company has two express tests that can reduce the reaction time to less than half an hour. One such test is designed for use in a standard diagnostics lab, while another one is colorimetric, making it possible to detect the presence of the virus by change of color of a liquid in a test tube - for example, directly at a patient’s bed.