April 2, 2021

A Method for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Healthy Human Stool: A Validation Study

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

Keywords (Tags): testing

• A modified RT-PCR test to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in human stool had 100% analytical sensitivity in 20 stool samples freshly spiked with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 material and a lower limit of detection (LLD) of 3,000 viral RNA copies per gram. Analytical sensitivity decreased two-fold after a single freeze-thaw cycle at -80 °C. The assay had 100% sensitivity and specificity when used by a different laboratory to correctly identify 30 stool samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected using this assay in the stool and anal swab specimens of 11 of 23 positive individuals.

Coryell et al. (Mar 31, 2021). A Method for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Healthy Human Stool: A Validation Study. The Lancet Microbe. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-5247(21)00059-8