Veredus Laboratories Launches Next Generation COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Using Samples Directly from Saliva or Swab

Veredus Laboratories Pte Ltd (“Veredus”) announced today the launch of its Extraction-free RT-PCR Suite consisting of VereRT™ COVID-19 PCR Kit (formerly known as VereRTCoV™ SARSCoV-2 Real-Time RT-PCR 2.0) for direct use either on human saliva (ZeroPrep™ Saliva Collection Kit, formerly known as VereRTCoV™ ZeroStep Saliva Collection Kit) or from swab (ZeroPrep™ Swab Buffer Kit).

Saliva Test – ZeroPrep™ Saliva Collection Kit, when used in conjuction with VereRT™ COVID-19 PCR Kit, is intended for direct testing on human saliva for COVID-19 diagnosis. This specimen collection method is non-invasive as saliva can be obtained easily without assistance as compared to nasopharyngeal swab where trained medical personnel is required to perform the swabbing procedure. This reduces manpower and eliminates their exposure to the virus. ZeroPrep™ Saliva Collection Kit is able to collect human saliva as a specimen for COVID-19 diagnosis as it has a specially formulated preservation buffer to stablise and preserve viral RNA, enabling it to be used directly in the PCR test without the need for nucleic acid extraction as an intermediate step.

Swab Test – The current prevalent COVID-19 screening regime relies heavily on nasopharyngeal swab test, where the specimen is obtained and deposited in transport media before being sent to the testing laboratory. Upon receiving the specimen, the initial step of molecular diagnosis is to extract the genetic material from the virus followed by DNA amplification to identify SARS-CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19.

VereRT™ COVID-19 PCR Kit, when used in conjunction with ZeroPrep™ Swab Buffer Kit, is a next generation PCR-based In Vitro Diagnostic (“IVD”) test for COVID-19. It shortcuts the testing workflow by eliminating the nucleic acid extraction process as the operator is able to perform the diagnostic test directly from the swab. By eliminating the extraction phase which comprises of several laborious steps, it results in cost- and timesaving, as well as a reduction in vulnerability to supply chain shortages especially during high-volume testing by laboratories globally.

VereRT™ COVID-19 PCR Kit has obtained CE-IVD marking and Provisional Authorization from Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Singapore for use as an IVD test for supply to hospitals and medical clinics for use on patients to diagnose COVID-19 in Singapore.

“Veredus is innovating rapidly and we are excited to be one of few companies offering direct PCR testing using saliva or swab without the need for viral RNA extraction. This method of direct COVID-19 testing is the next step for us as we seek to increase the testing capacity of healthcare authorities and laboratories by reducing workflow complexity in COVID-19 molecular testing.” said Dr. Rosemary Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Veredus Laboratories.