Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

July 15, 2020

At What Times during Infection Is SARS-CoV-2 Detectable and No Longer Detectable Using RT-PCR Based Tests A Systematic Review of Individual Participant Data

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  • [Preprint, not peer-reviewed] A systematic review (32 studies with 1,023 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients) showed the highest percentage of detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR was from nasopharyngeal sampling between 0 to 4 days post-symptom onset at 89% (95%CI 83%-93%). The percentage dropped to 54% (95%CI 47%-61%) after 10 to 14 days. Up to 30% of participants with SARS-CoV-2 detected in respiratory samples did not have detectable fecal samples.  

Mallett et al. (July 14, 2020). At What Times during Infection Is SARS-CoV-2 Detectable and No Longer Detectable Using RT-PCR Based Tests A Systematic Review of Individual Participant Data. Pre-print downloaded July 15 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.13.20152793