Back to Search
Start Over
Rapid adaptation and continuous performance evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 envelope gene (E-gene) real-time RT-PCR assays to support the hospital surge in test demand.
- Source :
-
Journal of medical virology [J Med Virol] 2021 Mar; Vol. 93 (3), pp. 1824-1827. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Nov 22. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- We describe the timely adaption of both published WHO E-gene protocol and commercially available LightMix Modular E-gene assay to the test platform (ABI 7900 Fast real-time analyzer and TaqMan Fast One-step Virus Master Mix) available in an accredited tertiary hospital laboratory with an on-going evaluation to ensure the provision of quality service within the time constraint. The LightMix Modular E-gene was slightly more sensitive when compared to the WHO E-gene, both analytically and diagnostically. The assay was recommended for screening of SARS-CoV-2 infection. With the availability of technically competent staff through continuous training, the provision of round-the-clock service is feasible despite the test is of high complexity. The thermal cycling duration of the adapted LightMix E-gene and WHO E-gene is shortened by half and one hour respectively and allows the number of runs to double when 24-h round-the-clock service is provided. An increase in testing capacity could support surges in testing demand, which is essential to control the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, to prevent potential overwhelming of the healthcare system, and to optimize utilization of the isolation beds.<br /> (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)
- Subjects :
- COVID-19 Testing methods
Clinical Laboratory Techniques methods
Hospitals
Humans
Pandemics prevention & control
RNA, Viral genetics
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction methods
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction methods
Sensitivity and Specificity
COVID-19 diagnosis
COVID-19 virology
Coronavirus Envelope Proteins genetics
Genes, env genetics
SARS-CoV-2 genetics
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1096-9071
- Volume :
- 93
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of medical virology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 33165945
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.26660