February 10, 2020

Molecular Diagnosis of a Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Causing an Outbreak of Pneumonia

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• Researchers developed two 1-step real-time RT PCR assays for the Sarbecovirus subgenus to account for potential genetic diversity of the 2019-nCoV circulating in humans. Assays were tested on respiratory samples and results are promising. Further testing is needed.
  • Lo and Chiu offer some commentary and critique of this earlier report and opportunities for further testing. 

Chu et al. (Jan 31, 2020). Molecular Diagnosis of a Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Causing an Outbreak of Pneumonia. Clinical Chemistry. https://academic.oup.com/clinchem/advance-article/doi/10.1093/clinchem/hvaa029/5719336 

Lo and Rossa (Feb 7, 2020). Racing towards the development of diagnostics for a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Clinical Chemistry. https://academic.oup.com/clinchem/advance-article/doi/10.1093/clinchem/hvaa038/5729988