Synthetic Viral Controls

Twist has created synthetic RNA controls for several viral genomes. These variants were selected to cover a wide range of sequence diversity. Each control consists of six non-overlapping 5 kb fragments generated from Twist Gene Fragments then transcribed into ssRNA. These controls provide coverage of greater than 99.9% of the bases of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome. The majority of the controls are provided in the standard format which consist of 100 μL at a concentration of approximately one million copies per microliter. Twist also offers certain controls in an Assay Ready format. Assay Ready Controls are supplied as a desiccated pellet that includes a nucleic acid stabilizer which enables greater stability and ease of use during shipping and storage. The Assay Ready Controls are supplied at approximately two million copies per tube. The Twist Assay Ready Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA Control was developed in partnership with the US CDC and integrated into the CDC Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (Flu SC2) Multiplex Assay, which tests tests for influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2 simultaneously. The Twist Assay Ready Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA Control is now available for customers outside the CDC. 

GenBank IDs and GISAID names for synthetic controls 1 through 15.

As the pandemic continues to evolve and as new strains emerge, we’ll continue to expand this panel of synthetic controls to ensure you have the most up-to-date tools to track viral progression and evolution.

Twist Bioscience Assay Ready Control products are dried down and shipped at room temperature.  Although the controls are stable under most standard laboratory storage conditions, it is important to consider the following best practices to maintain the highest possible quality and prevent degradation. 

Best Practices for Working with Twist Assay Ready Controls
 

• Assay Ready Controls are shipped at ambient temperature and should be stored at -20°C upon receipt. 
• The controls are intended for one time use only. 
• RNA controls should be kept on ice while in use as RNA is easily degraded.  
• Use only RNase free consumables when handling this product. 
• Before using, briefly centrifuge the tube to pellet RNA at the bottom on the tube and resuspend in RNase-free Water. 
• A resuspension volume of 50 - 200 µL is recommended to generate a final viral concentration of approximately 40,000 - 10,000 copies per µLrespectively.
• Gently pipette mix or vortex to resuspend.
• Note: the stable dried down format includes Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer at pH 8.0. Adding additional TE could impact downstream assays. 
   

The Twist Synthetic Respiratory Virus Controls cover a broad range of RNA and DNA viruses relevant to respiratory disease research. These controls are aligned with the content of the Twist Respiratory Virus Research Panel (PN 103067) and are suitable for use with Twist Fixed Panel NGS workflows or for use with RT-PCR or qPCR experiments of your own design. 

The figure shows a taxonomic tree of viruses covered by the Twist Respiratory Virus Controls. The table shows GenBank IDs, virus type and length for each control. Additional viral controls may be available for custom synthesis. Please contact your local sales representative for more details.
 

Virus name Genbank IDs, virus type, and length for each virus included in the Twist Respiratory Virus Controls. Additional viral controls may be available for custom synthesis.

Contact your local sales representative for more details or Buy Now.