Pooling of six respiratory samples for the detection of SARS-CoV-2: A validation and cost study in a cohort in Lima, Peru.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The continuous evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to a high demand for diagnostic testing and major shortages in testing materials, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As an alternative to testing individual samples, pooling of respiratory samples has been suggested. Previous studies have assessed performance of pooling, mainly using nasopharyngeal samples for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, but few studies have examined the performance of pooling the more practical nasal swabs or saliva samples.

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and potential cost reduction of pooling of nasal swab (NS) and saliva (SL) samples for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a community-based cohort study in Lima, Peru.

Study design

A prospective cohort

SUBMITTER: Ochoa M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10432201 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature