TY - JOUR
T1 - Effective optimization of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing variables in an era of supply chain constraints
AU - S Sahajpal, Nikhil
AU - Mondal, Ashis K.
AU - Njau, Allan
AU - Ananth, Sudha
AU - Jones, Kimya
AU - Ahluwalia, Pankaj K.
AU - Ahluwalia, Meenakshi
AU - Jilani, Yasmeen
AU - Chaubey, Alka
AU - Hegde, Madhuri
AU - Kota, Vamsi
AU - Rojiani, Amyn Mohammed
AU - Kolhe, Ravindra
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020
PY - 2020/10
Y1 - 2020/10
N2 - RT-PCR-based assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 have played an essential role in the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sample collection and test reagents are in short supply, primarily due to supply chain issues. Thus, to eliminate testing constraints, we have optimized three key process variables: RNA extraction and RT-PCR reactions, different sample types and media to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 testing. By performing various validation and bridging studies, we have shown that various sample types such as nasopharyngeal swab, bronchioalveolar lavage and saliva, collected using conventional nasopharyngeal swabs, ESwab or 3D-printed swabs and, preserved in viral transport media, universal transport media, 0.9% sodium chloride or Amies media are compatible with RT-PCR assay for COVID-19. Besides, the reduction of PCR reagents by up to fourfold also produces reliable results.
AB - RT-PCR-based assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 have played an essential role in the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sample collection and test reagents are in short supply, primarily due to supply chain issues. Thus, to eliminate testing constraints, we have optimized three key process variables: RNA extraction and RT-PCR reactions, different sample types and media to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 testing. By performing various validation and bridging studies, we have shown that various sample types such as nasopharyngeal swab, bronchioalveolar lavage and saliva, collected using conventional nasopharyngeal swabs, ESwab or 3D-printed swabs and, preserved in viral transport media, universal transport media, 0.9% sodium chloride or Amies media are compatible with RT-PCR assay for COVID-19. Besides, the reduction of PCR reagents by up to fourfold also produces reliable results.
KW - 3D swab
KW - COVID-19
KW - assay modifications
KW - assay optimization
KW - bridging studies
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85096199354&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85096199354&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2217/fmb-2020-0094
DO - 10.2217/fmb-2020-0094
M3 - Review article
C2 - 33179525
AN - SCOPUS:85096199354
SN - 1746-0913
VL - 15
SP - 1483
EP - 1487
JO - Future Microbiology
JF - Future Microbiology
IS - 15
ER -