As I understand it, variants have to be identified by genetic sequencing beyond a regular test (which is expensive and takes time), and a certain percentage of tests are automatically evaluated via sequencing.
I dunno but the cdc has the statement on their site, I’ll look it,up
What Laboratories Should Know:
There are no authorized, cleared, or approved diagnostic tests to specifically detect SARS-CoV-2 variants (Omicron or other variants). Currently, COVID-19 tests are designed and authorized to check broadly for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, not for specific variants.
The Omicron variant has a deletion in the spike (S) gene (Δ69-70). Some molecular tests with multiple genetic targets include a target covering the portion of the S gene where the deletion occurs. The presence of this mutation can result in an S-gene target failure (SGTF, also referred to as an S-gene drop out). The S-gene target will fail (return as negative) while other targets are expected to remain positive in the presence of this virus. SGTF can signal the need for sequencing to characterize the variant in a specimen.
SGTF has been observed in other variants and thus is not specific to the Omicron variant