The Norwegian Institute of Public Health was commissioned to develop a faster test of the English variant of the virus. This method can be used by all major laboratories in Norway and will provide better monitoring mutant virus.
The National Institute of Public Health performs both whole genome sequencing and partial genome sequencing faster. This is to detect new variants of the coronavirus. In addition, a PCR test is currently being developed that can be performed in all microbiological laboratories in the country. This makes it much faster and easier to detect the English variant.
On January 19, the government asked the FHI to evaluate the possibility of introducing such a test in Norway and to assess whether it is a good way to contain the spread of the English variant. It was also asked whether such a method could be recommended in terms of efficiency. In addition, the institute was asked to consider other methods that can better detect known and new mutations, and to assess how we can increase Norway's capacity in this regard, says Health Minister Bent Høie.
The FHI recommends establishing rapid tests
The FHI recommends establishing rapid PCR tests that can also be used by other laboratories. The proposal from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health was immediately dealt with by the government and will be effective soon. This screening test provides faster responses and will provide better control of the English, more contagious variant of the virus in Norway, says Høie.
The aim is therefore that all positive samples are analyzed for the English variant.
FHI and University Hospital in Oslo are in the process of concluding an agreement on the matter further scale whole genome sequencing. This slower but more accurate analysis could reveal any new variants of the virus. And that is why it is so important for monitoring all new variants of the virus and for monitoring the epidemic.
General Information
Covid-19 virus sequencing is an important tool to identify and monitor new virus variants with mutations that develop and that may have consequences for the development of a pandemic. Sequencing involves mapping the viral genes; either complete mapping of all genes (so-called whole genome sequencing) or partial mapping, preferably with an emphasis on known mutations. There are also other methods for quickly identifying samples positive for known mutations, based on real-time PCR technology. This method allows you to quickly analyze a large number of samples compared to sequencing.
