SARS-CoV-2 Patient Testing and Variant Surveillance 

In spring, 2020, Quantigen began patient testing for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in samples from state-sponsored collection sites located throughout Indiana. This endeavor was undertaken through a collaboration with both Eli Lilly and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), with the latter providing testing instrumentation and reagents in support of Quantigen’s rapid mobilization. As of March of 2021, Quantigen had tested in excess of 75,000 samples, with a plan to continue testing as needed for the foreseeable future. 

In addition, Quantigen agreed in March of 2021 to begin genetic variant surveillance using select CoV-positive samples taken from around the state. By performing whole-genome sequencing on these viral isolates and comparing them to a reference sequence, the ISDH can monitor the prevalence of variants with known clinical characteristics (e.g., the South African 501.V2). In addition, they can quickly detect and monitor other novel variants that might potentially (a) cause more severe illness, (b) spread more readily, and/or (c) evade immune surveillance as primed by current vaccines. All variant information from these screens will be shared with the CDC, who will then use the data to help inform its guidance on appropriate public safety measures.