Coronavirus - COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Testing

EMSL TESTING FOR SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) by qPCR  (Detects the Delta variant)

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is now accepting environmental Air, Swab, and Wastewater samples to confirm the presence/absence of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus, utilizing quantitative RT-PCR technology. 

Clinical/ human-derived samples are not accepted.

Air Samples
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets. When someone with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks, these droplets are released and infectious droplets can be inhaled or they can land in the noses or mouths of those nearby. The CDC also states that respiratory droplets can land on hands, surfaces, and objects around the person when they speak or cough. EMSL's test results include both the 2019-nCoV_N1 and N2 markers of the virus. This is a qualitative presence/absence test.

Environmental Swab Samples
Recent studies suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may remain viable and infective on surfaces for hours to days, depending on the surface’s material type (fabric, tile, steel, etc.). Thorough cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces are recommended by the CDC and believed to be essential in preventing the spread of infection. The presence or absence of the viral genetic material on environmental surfaces can now be directly tested with EMSL’s new SARS-CoV-2 molecular-based test and used to demonstrate effectiveness of cleaning protocols. EMSL's test results include both the 2019-nCoV_N1 and N2 markers of the virus. This is a qualitative presence/absence test.

Wastewater Samples
Recent Wastewater studies indicate that testing untreated wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 is an important epidemiological tool. EMSL offers SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test for wastewater samples and designed to detect both the 2019-nCoV_N1 and 2019-nCoV_N2 markers of the virus. The Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test protocol has been validated by EMSL, and features comprehensive quality control procedures to ensure consistent results. This is a quantitative test.

EMSL RT-qPCR test is active against Delta coronavirus variant

According to CDC genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been emerging and circulating around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant emerged in India and is currently widespread. The level of public safety and awareness has been elevated since Delta variant is potentially more transmissible than other coronavirus variants.

The RT-qPCR test employed for environmental SARS-CoV-2 surveillance by EMSL detects all know variants of SARS-CoV-2 including Delta. Mutations in Delta variant affect one of the coronavirus structural proteins called spike protein whereas EMSL SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR test targets a different part of viral genome: conserved RNA sequence of gene coding for nucleocapsid protein.

While current immunization efforts might reduce the risk of individual infections the disease transmission routes remain the same. Testing for the environmental component of SARS-CoV-2 contagion is still important since immunized individuals can unknowingly carry and spread viral pathogens.

Sample Analysis
EMSL employs a RT-qPCR test that targets the SARS-CoV-2-nucleocapsid N gene. This method is specified by the CDC and authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical COVID-19 diagnostics. Since the human RNAse P gene is not analyzed in our test, the EMSL RT-qPCR test can only be used for environmental testing on surfaces; not for processing patient SARS-CoV-2 specimens.

In addition, since environmental samples frequently contain RT-qPCR inhibiting substances found in dirt, soil, and dust that can affect the qPCR reaction performance, EMSL applies a proprietary nucleic acid (NA) extraction method to every sample. This will ensure the removal of any RT-qPCR inhibitors, as well as ensure the accurate detection of the target viral RNA.