A pooled RT-PCR testing strategy for more efficient COVID-19 pandemic management.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing is indispensable in management of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, with the emergence of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, the cause of COVID-19, the screening capacity of RT-PCR testing is overburdened, and new strategies and capabilities need to be established. One option is pooled RT-PCR testing.

Design

This study used various mixtures of COVID-19 samples known to be negative and positive, and investigated the impact of pool size and mixture level on final cycle threshold (Ct) values. More specifically, 5, 10 and 20 negative samples were combined with one, two or three low Ct or high Ct positive samples.

Results

Average baseline Ct an

SUBMITTER: Ayaz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8673736 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature