Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test

Raw waste water that has not been chemically treated.

The Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) test that detects and quantifies the viral RNA in an appropriately prepared waste water concentrate sample.

When used with the 105 ml concentration protocol, the lowest concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in waste water that can be detected by the Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test is approximately 1 gene copy/1 ml.

The IDEXX-validated protocol concentrates the SARS-CoV-2 virus from 105 ml of waste water. Laboratory staff may analyse larger or smaller water volumes by performing the basic procedure scaled for different input volumes with appropriate centrifugation equipment.

The Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test analyses 5 µl of extracted RNA prepared from a waste water concentrate sample, although we recommend having additional volume on hand to account for pipetting loss and duplicate samples.

The IDEXX-validated protocol concentrates the waste water sample using a combination of centrifugation and polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and can be modified to meet your specific laboratory needs. Other concentration methods may also be used, such as ultrafiltration, manifold filtration, etc. These methods should be validated to verify performance.

Maintaining a cold sample temperature helps to prevent sample degradation and ensure efficient precipitation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test has been validated for use with the Water DNA/RNA Magnetic Bead Kit for extraction of nucleic acids, including SARS-CoV-2 RNA, from a waste water concentrate. The magnetic bead kit can either be run manually or performed using an automated magnetic processor. See product insert for additional details.

For each set of waste water samples tested with the Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test, a PCR positive control, a PCR negative control, an extraction positive control, and an extraction negative control should be analysed at the same time. A method control should also be performed to verify expected results.

Please refer to the product inserts for recommended storage conditions at time of product receipt and after reconstitution/first use.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory with additional precautions can be used for environmental sample testing, including handling and processing waste water samples associated with SARS-CoV-2. Specific guidance is available from the US CDC: Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).⁴

Consult your local health authority for specific recommendations.

Follow local health authorities’ recommended procedures for handling and processing of waste water samples associated with SARS-CoV-2. One source of information is published by the US CDC: Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).⁴

Follow all local regulatory and safety guidelines. 

An optional heat treatment process may be used to inactivate samples through pasteurisation, if desired. See the product insert for an example. 

A pasteurisation step may reduce SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. Please contact an IDEXX account representative for additional information.

Dispose of all samples and materials in accordance with local regulatory guidelines.

The Water SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test is not US EPA approved for testing for SARS-CoV-2 in waste water. The US EPA does not currently regulate SARS-CoV-2 waste water testing or approve testing methods for this purpose. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in waste water may or may not be regulated by your local and/or municipal authorities. Please check for regulations that may apply in your area.