Thermo Scientific’s rapid COVID-19 genome sequencing to identify coronavirus hot spots

As countries begin to ease restrictions and allow some businesses to reopen, contact tracing and epidemiological studies will be critical to understand resurgence of potential COVID-19 outbreaks.

Scientists not only need to know who is infected, they also need to rapidly identify which strain of the virus is spreading. To expedite such analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific has now optimised its Ion AmpliSeq SARS-CoV-2 Research Panel for the Ion Torrent Genexus System.  

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides scientists a high-throughput method to quickly analyse the virus’ genetic code and trace its origin. Doing so with the Genexus System, the first automated NGS platform with the simplest-to-use design, can provide results in about 24 hours. This newest offering expands Thermo Fisher’s broad portfolio of genetic analysis tools now available to support COVID-19 research.

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“The desire to get the global economy moving again responsibly is driving the need for advanced NGS technology that can quickly track the virus and enable health agencies to determine next steps,” said Peter Silvester, senior vice president and president of Life Sciences Solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Access to rapid, simple and automated sequencing with the Genexus System can accelerate development of critical data to help stay ahead of COVID-19.”

Thermo Fisher introduced the Genexus System in November 2019 as a versatile, turnkey solution with a simple-to-implement workflow. The platform’s ease of use has been developed to provide all researchers – regardless of expertise level – access to the power of NGS technology. Its unprecedented speed to results and automation is designed to accelerate a broad range of applications, including oncology, infectious disease and reproductive health, among others. The Ion AmpliSeq SARS-CoV-2 Research Panel can be used by laboratories that intend to sequence SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus samples.

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