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Clear Labs Launches Groundbreaking Solution for Enhanced Screening and Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and its Mutations

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“We recognize that it’s no longer enough to confirm cases, it’s about understanding the mutations and evolution of the virus, so the virus can be traced and understood.”


SAN CARLOS, Calif. (PRWEB)

As the COVID-19 virus mutates, so does this growing list of variants, including B.1.1.7., B.1.351 and L452R. These variants, as well as future mutations, can now be identified in real-time by a revolutionary new rapid WGS workflow solution launching today from Clear Labs, provider of the only fully-automated next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform for turnkey diagnostics. In an effort to help hospitals, reference labs, public health organizations and epidemiologists more easily identify and trace all strains of SARS-CoV-2, Clear Labs is announcing the availability of Clear Dx™ Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the first automated WGS solution that determines the complete RNA sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in less than 24-hours, a fraction of time, compared with traditional manual WGS workflows, requiring only minutes of hands-on time.

“This is a pivotal time for our understanding and management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and better, more accurate intel is critical,” said Jeff Field, Chief Commercial Officer at Clear Labs. “Our platform can identify different subtypes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on its genomic fingerprint. We recognize that it’s no longer enough to confirm cases, it’s about understanding the mutations and evolution of the virus, so the virus can be traced and understood. Ultimately, this leads to timely decisions which can be made to keep people safe. With our unique approach that democratizes genomics applications, Clear Dx WGS can quickly identify new subtypes, mutations, and variants to gain real-time clarity into virus transmission, so it’s actionable.”

The Clear Dx™ platform is powered by next-generation sequencing (NGS), robotics and cloud-based analytics. As a result, Clear Dx™ WGS can more easily determine the nature of virus transmission by differentiating virus strains (including flagging super-spreader events), and monitoring mutations, which can lead to variants.

By delivering rapid sequencing of the whole genome, the Clear Dx™ platform provides:

  • Fully-automated library preparation and management, including cDNA synthesis, amplification of targets, indexing, and nucleic acid clean-up

  • Simplified WGS workflow with ~30 minutes hands-on time (i.e. 1-2 human touch points vs. several dozen touch points with existing manual WGS workflows)

  • Faster results – from days to less than 24 hours

  • Improved consistency in sample processing and accuracy of results

  • Decreased labor costs and increased lab productivity

“I just completed our first few SARS-CoV2 whole genome sequencing runs, off the Clear Labs nanopore platform. This now brings near real-time sequencing (on epidemiology request) to Wyoming – from testing positive to having WGS in 24 hours,” said Dr. Noah Hull, Microbiology Laboratory Manager at the Wyoming Department of Health.

“In addition to WGS, the platform also features the Clear Dx™ SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Assay (EUA approved) which allows labs to perform diagnostic screening and genomic surveillance simultaneously,” added Field. “For the same price of a traditional PCR screening test, our fully-automated targeted NGS assay delivers same-day results and a comprehensive look into the virus – by differentiating positives into genomic subtypes and flagging clinically-relevant lineages or mutations, such as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, L452R, and D614G. Given the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, it’s imperative that the market starts to adopt and implement NGS-based testing solutions to ensure that new strains such as B.1.1.7 are not being missed by conventional testing methods.”

For more information about Clear Dx, please contact sales@clearlabs.com.

About Clear Labs

Clear Labs harnesses the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to simplify complex diagnostics for clinical and applied markets. By creating the only fully-automated platform that brings together DNA sequencing, robotics and cloud-based analytics, Clear Labs democratizes genomics applications to deliver increased clarity. Clear Labs’ turnkey platform accelerates outcomes and improves accuracy – from food-borne pathogens to infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2. With a novel approach, Clear Labs is helping the world better understand, track and mitigate tomorrow’s novel pathogens. For more information, visit https://www.clearlabs.com/.

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