Simpler and faster Covid-19 testing: Strategies to streamline SARS-CoV-2 molecular assays.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections is important for treatment, isolation of infected and exposed individuals, and contact tracing. RT-qPCR is the "gold-standard" method to sensitively detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA, but most laboratory-developed RT-qPCR assays involve complex steps. Here, we aimed to simplify RT-qPCR assays by streamlining reaction setup, eliminating RNA extraction, and proposing reduced-cost detection workflows that avoid the need for expensive qPCR instruments.

Method

A low-cost RT-PCR based "kit" was developed for faster turnaround than the CDC developed protocol. We demonstrated three detection workflows: two that can be deployed in laboratories conducting assays of variable complexity, and one that could be simple enough for point-of-care. Analytical

SUBMITTER: Panpradist N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7878117 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature