The test is designed with a dual target approach to help ensure reliability of test results even when mutations occur in the bacteria’s cryptic plasmid DNA. The highly sensitive and reliable COBAS TaqMan CT Test v2.0 simultaneously detects two targets within the C trachomatis cryptic plasmid and genome target DNA.
In contrast to earlier generation tests, the COBAS TaqMan CT Test v2.0 offers real-time PCR testing on the automated COBAS TaqMan 48 Analyzer. This automated platform can produce up to 48 tests per run and provide results in only 2.5 hours after sample preparation.
Amplification and detection in a closed system combined with Roche’s proprietary AmpErase enzyme and internal controls for each test help prevent cross contamination. This is said to enhance test results integrity and quality control in laboratories.
Teresa Wright, chief medical officer at Roche Molecular Diagnostics, said: “We have designed this test to detect all Chlamydia strains that may cause a deletion in the cryptic plasmid, including the variant originally detected in Sweden in 2006.”