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This company says its COVID-19 test accurately detects Omicron variant

This company says its COVID-19 test accurately detects Omicron variant

Covid test

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc said that their COVID-19 diagnostic tests can accurately detect the novel coronavirus variant Omicron, which has caused some nations to close their borders.

The TaqPath COVID-19 tests from Thermo Fisher can provide reliable findings even if one of the gene targets is affected by a mutation, according to the firm.

Also Read:Australia halts border reopening after two more Omicron cases detected

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Omicron variant as a "variant of concern" since it has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein alone.

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Preliminary data shows an increased risk of transmission when compared to other variations of concern, according to the WHO.

Also Read:Scotland detects six Omicron variant cases as UK tightens restrictions

As a result of this classification and information, new travel restrictions have been imposed, as well as study into the variant's influence on the efficacy of existing vaccinations and testing.

Watch | WION Developing Story: Fears of Omicron variant looms over the world

"This assay can be used not only to successfully detect COVID-19 but… it can also be used as a proxy for the [Omicron] variant," Mark Stevenson, chief operating officer at Thermo Fisher Scientific, said in an interview.

Stevenson said this is the only COVID-19 diagnostic test that is both authorised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and can be used to indicate if a case is caused by the Omicron variant.

(With inputs from agencies)