June 26, 2020

Large-Scale Implementation of Pooled RNA Extraction and RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 Detection

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• Ben-Ami et al. found that pooled testing, using a strategy known as Dorfman pooling in batches of 8 samples, retained the sensitivity of individual testing. They then applied this strategy to 26,576 clinical samples, and demonstrated a 7.3–fold increase in throughput. 
• All pools with positive samples were found to be positive, all pools with negative samples were negative, and 4 out of 5 pools containing a single indeterminate sample were labeled as indeterminate. Pools containing only 1-2 positive samples, each with a low amount of SARS-CoV-2, resulted in similar quantitative results to individual samples. 

Ben-Ami et al. (June 22, 2020). Large-Scale Implementation of Pooled RNA Extraction and RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 Detection. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2020.06.009