Amplicon residues in research laboratories masquerade as COVID-19 in surveillance tests.

ABSTRACT: Asymptomatic surveillance testing together with COVID-19-related research can lead to positive SARS-CoV-2 tests resulting not from true infections, but non-infectious, non-hazardous by-products of research (amplicons). Amplicons can be widespread and persistent in lab environments and can be difficult to distinguish for true infections. We discuss prevention and mitigation strategies.

SUBMITTER: Davidi D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8017732 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature