Pre-analytical sample stabilization by different sampling devices for PCR-based COVID-19 diagnostics.

ABSTRACT: The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic created an unprecedented requirement for diagnostic testing, challenging not only healthcare workers and laboratories, but also providers. Quantitative RT-PCR of various specimen types is considered the diagnostic gold standard for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, both in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The pre-analytical handling of patient specimens is a critical factor to ensure reliable and valid test results. Therefore, the effect of storage duration and temperature on SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy number stability was examined in various commercially available specimen collection, transport and storage devices for naso/oropharyngeal swabs and saliva. The swab specimen transport and storage devices tested showed no significant alteration of viral RNA co

SUBMITTER: Hardt M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8990442 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature