World's First Development of 'Universal PCR' to Detect Omicron... "Results Within 3-4 Hours"

Development of PCR Reagents for Rapid Detection of Omicron Variant
Distributed Nationwide by the 29th, Use Starts from the 30th
Simultaneous Identification of 5 Major Variants Including Existing Ones

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Starting next week, local governments nationwide will distribute rapid PCR tests specifically designed to detect the Omicron variant of COVID-19 through direct genetic amplification (PCR) testing. As a result, from the 30th, it will be possible to confirm the presence of the Omicron variant within 3 to 4 hours after a positive diagnosis. This PCR test, capable of simultaneously detecting existing variants such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, as well as the stealth Omicron variant, is the first of its kind in the world.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 24th that it has developed the rapid PCR reagent for Omicron variant detection through public-private cooperation and will distribute it to local governments nationwide by the 29th.

Following the designation of the Omicron variant as a major variant by the World Health Organization (WHO) last month and its spread domestically, the quarantine authorities prepared a plan to develop rapid PCR reagents for Omicron variant detection to expand surveillance. They also formed a private expert advisory committee to support reagent manufacturers' development efforts with the goal of introducing the reagents within this year.

Subsequently, reagent manufacturers produced prototypes, and after discussions by the advisory committee, the KDCA conducted efficacy evaluations. The selected suitable products will be distributed by the 29th to 23 local government institutions nationwide (including 5 regional response centers and 18 city/provincial health and environment research institutes).

Accordingly, from the 30th, local governments will be able to rapidly detect not only Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants but also the Omicron variant including stealth Omicron through variant PCR analysis. Notably, this is the world's first PCR test capable of identifying five major variants in a single analysis.

Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the KDCA, stated, “Previously, confirming Omicron after a COVID-19 positive diagnosis took 3 to 5 days through genome analysis, but with the introduction of the new variant PCR reagent, this will be shortened to within 3 to 4 hours after diagnosis. We expect that rapid identification of Omicron cases within communities will effectively block further spread and transmission.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.