Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the launch of a new rapid indoor air test to help fight COVID-19. The Thermo Scientific Renvo Rapid PCR Test is the latest solution in the company's product portfolio for monitoring airborne pathogens. The Renvo Rapid PCR Test is applied to air samples collected using the company's Thermo Scientific AerosolSense Sampler.

The Renvo Rapid PCR Test is intended for environmental monitoring only and is not intended for diagnostic use in community settings such as schools, businesses, healthcare facilities, government agencies and other public areas. This easy-to-use solution provides rapid and extremely accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 pathogens from indoor air samples and allows users to perform on-site SARS-CoV-2 testing of air samples that are not required for evaluation in a laboratory must be sent.

The system uses proprietary Oscar PCR technology to reduce thermocycling times and provide on-site results for SARS-CoV-2 air samples in as little as 30 minutes - a significant improvement over turnaround times of 4 to 24 hours, previously passed at the AerosolSense sampler testing service. This reduced turnaround time supports faster decision making and improves the efficiency of risk mitigation strategies for community sites and facilities.