Based on all available information, the covidSHIELD test will be able to identify that a specimen which is positive for the Omicron variant contains SARS-CoV-2 (i.e. the Omicron variant will not cause a false negative). The covidSHIELD test looks for three genes that are unique to SARS-CoV-2 which is the virus which causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). Those genes are S, N, and Orf1. If two of those genes are present, the specimen is considered positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. No test PCR test, including covidSHIELD, can identify with any degree of certainty if a specimen contains any particular variant. Some news reports have indicated that a missing Spike (or “S”) gene (aka “S-Gene drop out”) is indicative of Omicron. Unfortunately, what they have failed to report is that an S-Gene drop out is also a hallmark of Delta, the current most prevalent variant, and other variants. In short, The only way to know if the SARS-CoV-2 in a specimen is or is not a particular variant is by sequencing the DNA of the virus.  Sequencing is a completely separate process that requires completely different equipment. While some positive samples are tested to determine which variant is present, variant testing is done on de-identified specimens. This means that the specimen cannot be tied to a patient.