October 20, 2020

Pooling of Samples to Optimize SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis by RT-QPCR: Comparative Analysis of Two Protocols

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

Keywords (Tags): testing

• Pooling naso- or oropharyngeal swab samples prior to RNA extraction was associated with 100% diagnostic accuracy, while pooling after individual-sample RNA extraction was associated with 91% diagnostic accuracy. Volpato et al. conclude that testing protocols should call for pooling swab samples before RNA extraction.

Volpato et al. (Oct 16, 2020). Pooling of Samples to Optimize SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis by RT-QPCR: Comparative Analysis of Two Protocols. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-020-04071-8