Development of sensitive and quantitative molecular technologies for SARS-CoV-2 detection

  • Project Leaders: Christopher Lowe, Zabrina Brumme
  • Institutions: Simon Fraser University (SFU)
  • Budget: $101000
  • Competition: Rapid Response Funding for COVID-19 Research Projects
  • Genome Centre(s): Genome British Columbia
  • Fiscal Year: 2020
  • Status: Active

There is an urgent need to quickly and accurately identify cases of COVID-19 as people with the illness need to quarantine themselves in order to stop the spread of the virus. Current COVID-19 tests detect viral RNA using a tool called PCR, however, from past experience it is known that PCR can occasionally yield false-negative results when virus levels in a sample are low. Providing COVID-19 patients with false-negative results has important public health implications as they may continue to spread the illness believing they are not contagious. This work will apply an established modified-PCR method with significantly improved sensitivity to evaluate the currently used COVID tests. Uncovering any gaps in identifying positive cases this way will be valuable in helping to inform clinical management practices.

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Canada Post has provided notification of restarting their operations on December 17, 2024. As Canada Post ramps up and stabilizes their services, the BC-CfE will continue the following measures on an interim basis to minimize service disruption to BC-CfE clients and providers.

  • The BC-CfE Laboratory will utilize private courier for delivery of outgoing reports and documents. (Lab Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8775; FAX 604-806-9463)
  • The BC-CfE Drug Treatment Program (DTP) will fax outgoing forms and documents to the provider’s office. (DTP Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8515; FAX 604-806-9044)
  • St. Paul’s Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy will utilize private courier for delivery of medications. (Contact Information: Phone 1-800-547-3622; FAX 604-806-8675)

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