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Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Two-Step Reverse Transcription Droplet Digital PCR Protocols for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Quantification
Published on: March 31, 2021
Fast detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron using one-step RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing
Mandy Bloemen1, Annabel Rector1, Jill Swinnen1
1KU Leuven, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
SARS-CoV-2 has kept the world in suspense for almost 2 years now. The virus spread rapidly worldwide and several variants of concern have emerged: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and recently Omicron. A rapid method to detect key mutations is needed because these variants may jeopardize the effectiveness of immune protection following vaccination or past infection. This article describes an easy, cheap and fast method for the detection of mutations in the spike protein that are indicative for specific variants. This method can easily distinguish Omicron from other variants.

