Benzinga | Jan 28, 2022 10:07AM EST

Meridian Bioscience Launches Lyo-Ready qPCR Saliva-Specific Master Mixes For DNA & RNA Direct Detection

Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIVO), a leading global provider of diagnostic testing solutions and life science raw materials, announced today the launch of two new master mixes that detect DNA and RNA in crude saliva samples. These two new mixes, Lyo-Ready(tm) Direct DNA qPCR Saliva Mix and Lyo-Ready(tm) Direct RNA/DNA qPCR Saliva Mix can be used in liquid format or lyophilized. Both mixes accelerate the development of diagnostic assays and improve assay sensitivity using saliva samples with direct qPCR protocols.

Saliva is a non-invasive clinical sample utilized for diagnostic testing across many diseases, including cancer, HIV, and respiratory diseases (e.g., flu, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and COVID-19). Saliva is one of the easiest samples to collect and handle; however, PCR inhibitors naturally present in high concentrations in the sample create challenges in developing highly sensitive and reliable saliva-based assays.

Similar to the innovative portfolio of Air-Dryable(tm) sample-specific master mixes, Meridian's new Lyo-Ready(tm) saliva-specific master mixes are optimized for use on crudely processed saliva or sputum samples for enhanced assay sensitivity and flexible protocols. They are "ready-to-use," with no further optimization required aside from the addition of primers and probes. Additionally, these mixes are stable in a liquid format or can be lyophilized to create ambient temperature-stable assays for point-of-care applications.

Lourdes Weltzien, Ph.D., Executive Vice President - Life Science, commented, "With the surge of COVID-19 infections caused by the Omicron variant along with a rapid increase of other respiratory infections, the need for direct saliva testing has never been greater. Direct RT-qPCR saliva assays offer fast and convenient sample analysis, improve logistics and reduce costs involved in sample handling and transport. We are pleased to be the first to offer a complete solution for anyone developing a saliva-based molecular assay, whether in liquid, lyophilized or air-dried format."

Meridian is committed to supplying innovative solutions to the diagnostic industry to simplify and accelerate the development of superior diagnostic assays. To learn more about Meridian's innovative mixes, visit https://www.meridianbioscience.com/lifescience/products/molecular-reagents/ambient-temperature-rt-qpcr-qpcr-mixes or email Florent.Chang-Pi-Hin@meridianlifescience.com.