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Published on: March 31, 2021
Pooling of samples to optimize SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis by RT-qPCR: comparative analysis of two protocols
Fabiana Volpato1,2,3, Daiana Lima-Morales1,3, Priscila Lamb Wink1,3,4
1LABRESIS- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Resistência Bacteriana, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study has aimed to evaluate the use pool of samples as a strategy to optimize the diagnostic of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. A total of 220 naso/orofaryngeal swab samples were collected and tested using two different protocols of sample pooling. Results from protocol A were identical with the individual results. However, for results from protocol B, reduced agreement (91%) was observed in relation to individual testing. Inconsistencies observed were related to RT-qPCR results with higher cycle thresholds. These results suggest that pooling of samples before RNA extraction is preferable in terms of diagnostic for SARS-CoV-2.

