IRVINE, California – Zymo Research donated one million COVID-19 test kits including new DNA / RNA Shield reagent and collection devices – DirectDetect ™ to Mapmygenome ™ based in Hyderabad, India . Mapmygenome is a molecular diagnostics company that offers personalized DNA testing, COVID-19 testing, and genetic counseling to its clients. It also offers personalized health solutions based on genetic testing. It has provided COVID-19 testing during the pandemic in its state-of-the-art molecular laboratory that complies with current good laboratory practices, as well as in a laboratory at the international airportRajiv Gandhi in Hyderabad, India , where they test incoming passengers for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Similar to Zymo Research’s established DNA / RNA Shield ™ reagent, DNA / RNA Shield – DirectDetect reagent prevents degradation of viral RNA for safe collection and transport of samples at room temperature, without the need to extract nucleic acid. Eliminating the nucleic acid extraction step reduces the time to obtain PCR test results. Compared to other reagents, DNA / RNA Shield – DirectDetect does not inhibit subsequent RT-PCR. The DNA / RNA Shield – DirectDetect Test Kit contains the DNA / RNA Shield – DirectDetect reagent and swab collection devices.
“The DNA / RNA Shield – DirectDetect enables countries experiencing increases in COVID-19 cases to test for the disease without extraction, removing the barrier of limited extraction resources. It is our way of offering humanitarian support to people in need, “said Dr. Marc Van Eden , Vice President of Business Development for Zymo Research. “We partnered with Mapmygenome because of their ability to rapidly implement and analyze RT-PCR tests.”
“In India, where testing supplies and vaccines are difficult to obtain, testing is imperative to diagnose the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” said Anu Acharya, founder and CEO of Mapmygenome. He added: “While many biotech and testing vendors have tended to focus on their testing work at the national level, we appreciate Zymo Research’s global humanitarian effort to help eradicate COVID-19.”