Rospotrebnadzor has registered the world's first test system to detect the British strain of coronavirus.
"The Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor has developed and registered a test-system for detecting the mutation of coronavirus N501Y (“British” strain) - a set of reagents AmpliSens SARS-CoV-2-UK-IT", the ministry says.
The new test detects the British strain. According to Rospotrebnadzor, tests on clinical specimens with a confirmed mutation found in the UK have proved highly accurate.
It notes that the new technology could be used to develop reagents to detect any other coronavirus mutations, as well as other infectious pathogens that require rapid mass testing.
Late last year, the discovery of a new SARS-CoV-2 mutation in the United Kingdom became known. The British Advisory Council on New and Emerging Respiratory Viral Threats later confirmed that the British strain was spreading faster and required greater caution from the public. However, experts found no evidence that this mutation of the coronavirus is more lethal or leads to a more severe course of COVID-19. A number of countries, including Russia, have since suspended air links with the UK.
Rospotrebnadzor head Anna Popova assured that Russian vaccines would be effective against the new strain of coronavirus.
Photo: from open sources