Reagent development for testing new viruses in less time than before Shimadzu Corporation March 4 18:30

In response to the spread of the new coronavirus, Shimadzu, a leading analytical instrument manufacturer in Kyoto, has developed a test reagent that can test for viruses in less time than before, and will begin supplying it for research as early as this month. I'm going to.

This was revealed at a conference held by Shimadzu Corporation in Kyoto City on the 4th.

In the new coronavirus PCR test, more than 10 pretreatment steps are required to remove extra components when extracting viral genes, but new test reagents may affect the effects of extra components on conventional PCR reagents. Pre-treatment can be omitted by adding chemicals that do not receive it.

In general, the PCR test takes about 2 hours to increase the accuracy, and it takes about 6 hours including preparation time.

According to Shimadzu Corporation, the use of this reagent can shorten the test that takes about 2 hours to about 1 hour.

The chemicals used are used in Norovirus reagents sold by Shimadzu Corporation, so development of a new test reagent does not take much time. We are preparing a system to supply reagents for people.

Masamitsu Shimozu, head of the Gene Analysis Group at Shimadzu Corporation, said, "We want to respond to the public's request to reduce the time required for testing with our technology and develop it as quickly as possible in one day."