tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Front Trop Dis
. 2021 Aug 5;2:707865.
doi: 10.3389/fitd.2021.707865. eCollection 2021.
Pooling of Samples for SARS-CoV-2 Detection Using a Rapid Antigen Test
Nol Salcedo[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Alexander Harmon[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Bobby Brooke Herrera[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
While molecular assays, such as reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), have been widely used throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the technique is costly and resource intensive. As a means to reduce costs and increase diagnostic efficiency, pooled testing using RT-PCR has been implemented. However, pooling samples for antigen testing has not been evaluated. Here, we propose a proof-of-concept pooling strategy for antigen testing that would significantly expand SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, especially for low-to-middle income countries, schools, and workplaces. Our laboratory-based testing demonstrates that combining of up to 20 nasal swab specimens per pool can expand surveillance with antigen tests, even if a pool contains only one positive sample.
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pooled testing methodology; rapid antigen test; surveillance.
. 2021 Aug 5;2:707865.
doi: 10.3389/fitd.2021.707865. eCollection 2021.
Pooling of Samples for SARS-CoV-2 Detection Using a Rapid Antigen Test
Nol Salcedo[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Alexander Harmon[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Bobby Brooke Herrera[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 34851326
- PMCID: PMC8594033
- DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.707865
Abstract
While molecular assays, such as reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), have been widely used throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the technique is costly and resource intensive. As a means to reduce costs and increase diagnostic efficiency, pooled testing using RT-PCR has been implemented. However, pooling samples for antigen testing has not been evaluated. Here, we propose a proof-of-concept pooling strategy for antigen testing that would significantly expand SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, especially for low-to-middle income countries, schools, and workplaces. Our laboratory-based testing demonstrates that combining of up to 20 nasal swab specimens per pool can expand surveillance with antigen tests, even if a pool contains only one positive sample.
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pooled testing methodology; rapid antigen test; surveillance.