PerkinElmer announced today that its PerkinElmer SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR Assay received CE-IVD marking for the use of saliva as specimen type and the option to pool up to five specimens collected from individuals suspected of COVID-19 or asymptomatic individuals.

SARS-CoV-2 testing using saliva is less invasive, reduces the risk of exposure to healthcare workers involved in sample collection and need for frequent replacement of personal protective equipment.

Labs in countries accepting CE mark now have the option to accept saliva specimens and implement sample pooling using the PerkinElmer SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR Assay. Sample pooling using saliva specimens is a critical advancement made possible by PerkinElmer’s chemistry and stringent manufacturing systems. The PerkinElmer SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR Assay is built on the most sensitive SARS-CoV-2 test with the lowest limitation of detection in the market, according to the FDA’s reference panel comparative data.

The assay originally obtained its CE mark in the spring of 2020.

“To strike the right balance between keeping the world economy moving while ensuring safe practices, governments and private organizations are working tirelessly to increase the number of times individuals are tested for COVID-19,” said Masoud Toloue, Ph.D., Vice President & General Manager, Diagnostics, PerkinElmer. “We expect our newly released saliva-based collection and asymptomatic test solution will play a large role in this effort.”

PerkinElmer continues to work on the frontlines of improving COVID-19 testing. The Company’s comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 offerings span high throughput RNA extraction, RT-PCR, automation, ELISA, chemiluminescence, time-resolved fluorescence and lateral flow based serology testing.