PerkinElmer launches COVID-19 environmental surface testing kits

PerkinElmer, Inc., has introduced two COVID-19 environmental testing kits to help food processors and contract labs detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces in food plants such as plastic, ceramic and stainless steel.

Though person-to-person transmission is understood as the primary way of spreading the virus, COVID-19 has also been shown to remain stable on environmental surfaces for up to several days. It is therefore important for food processors to know if the virus is present on surfaces so they can adjust their on-site hygiene and cleaning protocols in order to help maintain a safe operating environment.

The new PerkinElmer^® SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection Kit for Environmental Surfaces and PerkinElmer^® DirectDetect^™ SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR for Environmental Surfaces are based on the technology of the PerkinElmer New Coronavirus Nucleic Acid Detection Kit which has been approved and used in multiple countries around the world to test people for COVID-19.

Both PerkinElmer COVID-19 kits are designed to detect the presence of the virus in samples that have been collected by swabbing surfaces such as plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel.

To provide an automated workflow for high throughput labs, the PerkinElmer SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection Kit for Environmental Surfaces can be used with the PerkinElmer chemagic^™ Viral DNA/ RNA Kit and the chemagic^™ 360 instrument to help ensure fast and high-quality RNA extraction.

The DirectDetect SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR for Environmental Surfaces also delivers streamlined testing processes by enabling labs to move directly from sample collection to PCR using a simplified workflow.

“With COVID-19 continuing to challenge the world, food processors and key stakeholders in the food supply industry need to take all the measures they can to protect the safety of their employees and keep the flow of the global food chain strong for consumers,” said Greg Sears, vice president and general manager, Food, PerkinElmer. “Our new SARS-CoV-2 surface testing kits leverage the strength of our existing diagnostic products to provide food processors and their contract labs with proven tools to help detect and fight COVID-19.”

The new kits join other PerkinElmer environmental surface testing solutions for food processors for Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria as well as an overall portfolio of food sample safety and quality testing solutions spanning across content, mycotoxins, pesticides, foodborne pathogens, heavy metals and adulteration.

The new SARS-CoV-2 surface kits for food environments are also part of PerkinElmer’s comprehensive solutions helping lab professionals and scientists around the world fight COVID-19. From detection and drug and vaccine discovery, through protective product testing, the Company’s innovations include kits, instruments, informatics, automation and workflow solutions and services.

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