IDEXX, the global leader in rapid microbiological testing for water, welcomed the results of a study by the Water Research Foundation (WRF) that was aimed at identifying the reproducibility and sensitivity of 36 different methods for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater.

The study found good reproducibility across all methods but showed the IDEXX Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test to outperform most methods in terms of consistency of detection. Of all the methods tested, 60% had at least one non-detect, but the IDEXX protocol and kits detected SARS-CoV-2 in all 10 replicates.

One conclusion of the study was that, since many methods give reproducible results, other factors such as product availability and simplicity should be considered in method choice. The IDEXX Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test is supported by expert support resources, comprehensive IDEXX quality-control procedures, and supply chain expertise.

IDEXX introduced its Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test in July 2020, to support wastewater surveillance to track the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities. 

The Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test combines the company’s long history of developing PCR tests and over 20 years developing validated wastewater tests. The test provides consistent results that have been validated on numerous PCR instruments, using geographically diverse samples.

The full study can be found here

Please visit the IDEXX website to learn more about the Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test.

IDEXX Water UK

Units 1B and 1C, Newmarket Business Park, Studlands Park Avenue, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7ER

T: +44 (0)1638 676800

E: wateruk@idexx.com