Gargle pool PCR testing in a hospital during medium and high SARS-CoV-2 incidence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hospitals need to be protected from SARS-CoV-2 infections to protect vulnerable patients. Thus, a safe, efficient, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 testing system for hospitals, in addition to standard hygiene measures and vaccination of staff, is necessary. Here we report on the feasibility and performance of a pool real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR) test system at, medium and high incidence.

Methods

We implemented a testing concept based on gargling at home and pooling of samples in the hospital before PCR testing in the laboratory. We used two PCR systems (point of care and standard 96-well plate system) to adapt to challenges in the hospital setting and respond to a rising incidence in the Omicron wave.

Findings

During our

SUBMITTER: Kheiroddin P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9166272 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature