Molecular IVD companies continue to experience tighter and tighter regulations in regard to incorporating appropriate positive and negative controls into their assays. Meridian’s VLP-RNA Extraction Controls offer a simple and effective way to reduce false-negative results in RT-qPCR assays. The biomimetic controls are composed of virus-like particle (VLP) shells packaged with a defined number of copies of target RNA molecules. Their composition closely resembles a test sample and serves as a full-process quantitative PCR positive control, monitoring the success of an RT-qPCR assay from lysis/extraction to reverse transcription and amplification.

VLP-RNA Extraction Control Red contains an internal control RNA sequence, with no known homology to any organism, encapsidated in a virus-like particle. The VLP-RNA Extraction Control is spiked in the sample prior to RNA extraction. Following RNA extraction, VLP-RNA Extraction Control can be detected in RT-qPCR by adding the VLP Detection Mix (containing specific primers and probe (emission wavelength = 670nm)) to the reaction mix. The detection of VLP-RNA Extraction Control acts as a PCR positive control and confirms the success of the extraction, reverse transcription, and amplification steps, avoiding the misinterpretation of a false negative result.

• Contains a defined number of copies of target RNA molecules, encapsidated within a virus-like particle (VLP)
• Closely mimics the test sample, undergoing the same processing from lysis and extraction to RT-qPCR detection
• Non-infectious material for ease of handling and shipping
• Compatible with commonly used RNA extraction methods and lyophilisation for creating freeze-dried mixes