General questions
1. What is SAVD?
SAVD stands for Saliva Amplification Viral Detection and is a CE-IVD approved RT-PCR Covid-19 test. According to the Norwegian authorities, PCR as an analysis method is the recommended laboratory method for detecting genetic material from the coronavirus. WHO defines this molecular diagnostic as the gold standard, as it is the most efficient and reliable way to detect the presence of SARSCoV-2. SAVD confirms or denies the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA within 30-50 minutes (depending on the machine and the number of cycles), and the test's many features provide significant time and cost savings.
2. Is SAVD approved in Norway?
Yes. SAVD is a PCR test that is CE-IVD approved. This means that the test is approved for sale and use in accordance with European and Norwegian regulations. In other words, SAVD meets the Norwegian authorities' requirements for use.
3. What are the benefits of SAVD?
- One of the fastest PCR tests aimed at SARS-CoV-2 on the market, where the result is available within 30-50 minutes (depending on the machine and the number of cycles).
- Testing is user-friendly. SAVD is validated for sampling and collection of sample material from deep throat, anterior nose and deep nose, as well as a combination of these. It is up to the individual customer to assess where it is appropriate for their work to take the sample material from. Click here: See validation.
- SAVD targets the Orf1ab gene (the replication gene that encodes RNA replication of the virus), so that the mutated variants of SARS CoV-2 can be identified.
- A unique method that does not require RNA isolation and thus no need for RNA isolation equipment.
- Works with most open RT-PCR machines.
- SAVD is verified with specificity of 100 % and sensitivity of 99 % and can detect up to 20 virus copies per ml.
- SAVD comes pre-integrated with the award-winning Yoti digital identity app. Yoti enables test results to be handled in accordance with privacy laws, and is sent securely to mobile phones as a test certificate for uncomplicated confirmation of infection freedom and reduction of quarantine time.
- The SAVD components come freeze-dried. This makes transport and storage of the product easy.
- SAVD has been added with a deactivating enzyme which eliminates the risk of infection for the test staff.
4. Why does the WHO define PC (polymerase chain reaction) as the diagnostic gold standard for detecting Covid-19?
Because PCR is a test that detects nucleic acids and increases the number of copies of the genetic material for easier detection. The test increases the amount of viral genetic material to several million copies so that the response results are more accurate and reliable. SAVD can detect the presence of Covid-19 with a minimum of 20 virus copies per ml.
5. What are the details of the technology used in SAVD?
SAVD er en PCR-test bestående av et patentert enzym kodet mot ORF1ab-genet av SARS CoV-2. Til nå er alle versjoner av viruset påvist med mutasjon av ulike segment på S-genet, slik at SAVD påviser også disse. Ifølge WHO retningslinjer er viruspåvisning med ett gen standard under en pågående pandemi, dvs. når det er høy sirkulasjon. Videre anbefales det i en postpandemisk hverdag med lavere virussirkulasjon, viruspåvisning med to gen.
The SAVD + test is under development. This is a further development of SAVD aimed at two genes; Orf1ab and E. SAVD + are used with the same equipment as SAVD.
6. Why is RNA not isolated, and what does this mean?
SAVD does not require RNA isolation because a special buffer composition, and therefore the analysis time is significantly shortened. In a normal RT-PCR test, the sample's buffer maintains an intact virus before an RNA isolation process. That is, the RNA is encapsulated in a protein coat, in contrast to SAVD's buffer, which destroys the virus's protein coat to make the RNA available for direct analysis. This is the fundamental difference in the analysis method for SAVD compared to traditional PCR analysis. This is both time- and cost-saving.
7. How are the samples analyzed?
The test is easy to perform and can be run on open traditional RT-PCR machines with fluorescein. With a typical RT PCR machine, for example the Bio-Rad CFX 96, you can take up to 94 tests at the same time. Due to the innovative technology that results in a simpler analysis method, SAVD can also be performed on smaller and mobile machines, as well as large machines with a high analysis volume. This range of analysis possibilities means that the tests can be taken directly where the need is ? in arrival halls, departure halls, at the gate, before major events or during mass testing such as at border crossings or large facilities.
8. Can SAVD be used on any open PCR/qPCR machine?
Yes, SAVD is designed to be used on most standard open RT-PCR machines with fluorescein analysis. This is a conscious choice by the manufacturers, so that the users of SAVD are not bound to buy expensive PCR machines belonging to a specific supplier with systems linked exclusively to their own products. In a period where the pandemic has significantly increased the prices of PCR machines, SAVD enables the purchase of less expensive machines that are tailored to meet the needs of the individual (e.g. high volume/high number of wells vs. lower volume/lower number of wells). Examples of machines that can be used in connection with the SAVD test are MyGo Pro and Bio-Rad CFX96. The manufacturer of SAVD will have self-produced machines with different volume capacities available for sale during 2021.
9. Why is SAVD particularly suitable for stepping up to massive testing?
SAVD is particularly suitable for mass testing, both in terms of the test's unique characteristics, but also availability. As both developer and manufacturer of the patented active substances in SAVD, GeneMe does not have supply problems of tests or equipment, which is a growing problem nationally and internationally. The active ingredients in SAVD are produced using biotechnological methods in microscopic organisms that have been genetically modified by GeneMe, so that we as a supplier have unlimited access.
10. How can the individual obtain their test result?
SAVD also differs from other tests in terms of functionality. The results from the SAVD test can, if desired, be read via the award-winning digital identity app YOTI. YOTI makes it possible to handle test results in accordance with the privacy laws, GDPR. The result of the test is securely sent to the individual's mobile phone. The app is then used as an approved corona certificate. This means that the tests can easily be used for optimal logistics for e.g. border crossings, arrival and departure halls or similar. The test result will thus physically follow the person who has been tested, and will further enable great security for infection-free travel in everyday life. We point out that Yoti is an option for identifying the person being tested, but the test can also be used without the app.
11. What does SAVD consist of, and how does it work in practical terms?
SAVD consists of three main components; one set for physically taking the sample from the patient, one set for transferring the sample material to the samples to be run in the machine, and one set for running the samples in the machine. Everything comes complete in the same delivery. The only addition is the analysis machine itself. In each SAVD delivery package there are 32 tests, of 8-well plastic strips x 4. As a safety mechanism, the buffer is given the property to deactivate the virus to avoid the risk of infection for the person taking the sample. Deactivation time is estimated at a maximum of 5 minutes.
12. How is the test transported, what is its durability and how is SAVD stored?
Everyone All elements used in SAVD are freeze-dried and pre-prepared. This makes transport very easy.
The durability of the various components of SAVD's test kit: 8-well SAVD strip ? 6 months from date of manufacture. Positive control tube? 6 months from date of manufacture. SAVD buffer – 6 months from production date. Control buffer tube ? 6 months from date of manufacture. Normalization buffer tube ? 6 months from date of manufacture. Sterile swab? 3 years from date of manufacture. Sterile brush? 3 years from date of manufacture.
Temperature when storing SAVD components is as follows; for long-term storage up to 6 months, the temperature for storage is +5 to +12 degrees C. For storage up to 3 months, normal room temperature is satisfactory. However, please note that the SAVD components should be stored in the dark and not exposed to strong sunlight. RNA is an unstable molecule and is sensitive to degradation which can be caused by, among other things, incorrect storage, temperature, direct sunlight or bacterial growth. According to the SAVD user manual, analysis of the test is recommended on the same day as sampling. RNA is an unstable molecule and is sensitive to degradation that can be caused by, among other things. improper storage, temperature, direct sunlight or bacterial growth. According to the SAVD user manual, analysis of the test is recommended on the same day as sampling.
13. Why is high sensitivity and specificity important for a test?
The sensitivity is the probability that a sick patient will get the correct answer, i.e. a positive test. The specificity is the probability that a healthy patient will get the correct answer, i.e. a negative test. If there is a low sensitivity of a test, there is a risk of sending false negative patients, i.e. sick individuals out into society without measures. Conversely, with low specificity, one will have false positive tests, and measures such as isolation, quarantine and extensive infection tracing are done unnecessarily. SAVD has been verified with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 99%.
14. What is Limit of Detection (LoD)?
Limit of Detection describes the lowest concentration that can be measured and detected by analysis. SAVD's LoD is 20 virus copies per ml. By comparison, antigen tests have a LoD of over 1 million virus copies per ml. A LoD of 20 / ml places SAVD at the top of the market.
Technical questions
A. TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND DURABILITY OF SAVD
1. How to transport the SAVD test?
All elements used in SAVD are freeze-dried and pre-prepared. This makes transport very easy.
2. At what temperature should the components be stored?
Temperature when storing SAVD components is as follows; for long-term storage up to 6 months, the temperature for storage is +5 to +12 degrees C. For storage up to 3 months, normal room temperature is satisfactory. However, please note that the SAVD components should be stored in the dark and not exposed to strong sunlight. RNA is an unstable molecule and is sensitive to degradation which can be caused by, among other things, incorrect storage, temperature, direct sunlight or bacterial growth. According to the SAVD user manual, analysis of the test is recommended on the same day as sampling.
3. How should the SAVD test be transported?
The durability of the various components of SAVD's test kit: 8-well SAVD strip ? 6 months from date of manufacture. Positive control tube? 6 months from date of manufacture. SAVD buffer – 6 months from production date. Control buffer tube ? 6 months from date of manufacture. Normalization buffer tube ? 6 months from date of manufacture. Sterile swab? 3 years from date of manufacture. Sterile brush? 3 years from date of manufacture.
4. What to do in case of deviations in buffers and reagents
B. PIPETTING AND SAVD STRIPES
1. Hvor lang tid kan det gå fra pipetteringen er ferdig til PCR-maskinen kjøres?
Produsenten GeneMe har kun gjort analyser der PCR kjøres direkte etter pipettering og senest 30 min etter første rør ble pipettert, men antakeligvis vil det også fungere å vente lengre. Anbefalingen er derfor å pipettere alle prøvene for så å kjøre PCR direkte.
Can I use the SAVD strips if the structure looks different?
Ja, under transport og/eller produksjon kan strukturen kollapse, dette vil endre utseende, men innhold og funksjon er uendret og rørene kan brukes som vanlig. Gjør en test ved bruk av rør med endret utseende til forberedelse av positiv kontroll, du vil da se at signalet er uendret.
Eksempel på krystalliserte SAVD-striper:
C. CONTROL SAMPLES
1. Hva gjør man dersom den positive kontrollen ikke gir signal?
Check "No baseline subtraction". If the positive control is shown without an increase in RFU, then the test is invalid and must be run again using the same patient samples (ie you do not need to swab again). Remember that normalization buffer should be used to create positive control, furthermore the solution should be transferred to one of the pipes in an 8-well SAVD support. The solution should eventually turn blue (either blue immediately in the normalization buffer, or first yellow in the normalization buffer and then turn blue when mixed with the reagents in the SAVD strips).
2. Må vi bruke to positive og to negative kontroller ved bruk av to forskjellige LOTnummer?
Ja. Alternativt kan du kun bruke kontroller og SAVD-striper fra et nytt LOT-nummer og kjøre restene fra gammelt LOT-nummer ved en senere anledning når færre tester skal kjøres.
D. MACHINE DRIVING
1. How should the pipes be placed in the wells to avoid deformation (crushing) of the pipes?
It is very important to have a balanced position and to get an even pressure when the lid on the machine is put on. For maximum even pressure, it is recommended to use support strips. Pipes located at the outer edge of the machine are more likely to be deformed, compared to pipes located further inside the well block. Any change in the condition of the plastic will affect the fluorescence signals, because it is based on reflection inside each tube. Filling the thermocycle block must be in accordance with the machine manufacturer's instructions. Visual inspection of strips after reaction to check shape and liquid level (if no evaporation has taken place), allows to eliminate unreliable results according to handling with plastic and machine. 5 (5) Place all stripes in parallel vertically, equal in number on each side, and avoid the edges. Fill all remaining wells with empty tubes supplied by GeneMe. In the illustration from machine manufacturer Bio-Rad's user manual page 9, well location is shown.
2. How are limit values adjusted and calculated?
Click here: Setting limit values
E. RESULTS
1. What is the reason for invalid result?
Invalid result occurs only if there is a positive signal in the negative control or no signal in the positive control. This only happens in the event of direct damage such as extreme heat exposure, saturation through very high humidity or the equipment being mishandled, e.g. that the plastic wells are affected without gloves and the lighting through these for analysis is most incorrect due to. dirt.
2. Click here: Veiledning for analyse av prøver.