Rapid and accurate identification of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants using droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR).

Background: Some mutations in the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein are associated with increased transmission or substantial reductions in vaccine efficacy, including in recently described Omicron subvariants. The changing frequencies of these mutations combined with their differing susceptibility to available therapies have posed significant problems for clinicians and public health professionals.

Objective: To develop an assay capable of rapidly and accurately identifying variants including Omicron in clinical specimens to enable case tracking and/or selection of appropriate clinical treatment.