Pooled RT-qPCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in schools - a cluster randomised trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The extent to which children and adolescents contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains not fully understood. Novel high-capacity testing methods may provide real-time epidemiological data in educational settings helping to establish a rational approach to prevent and minimize SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We investigated whether pooling of samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-qPCR is a sensitive and feasible high-capacity diagnostic strategy for surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in schools.

Methods

In this study, students and school staff of 14 educational facilities in Germany were tested sequentially between November 9 and December 23, 2020, two or three times per week for at least three consecutive weeks. Participants were randomized for evaluation of two

SUBMITTER: Joachim A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8384501 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature