Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 21, 2020

Delayed Laboratory Response to COVID-19 Caused by Molecular Diagnostic Contamination

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  • In February 2020, 10 laboratories in Europe reported that commercial primer and probe batches used for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests were contaminated with synthetic control material. This caused a 7-14 day delay of regional testing roll-out in various countries. 

Mogling et al. (May 20, 2020). Delayed Laboratory Response to COVID-19 Caused by Molecular Diagnostic Contamination. Emerging Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2608.201843