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Large-Scale SARS-CoV-2 Testing Utilizing Saliva and Transposition Sample Pooling
Published on: June 23, 2022
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A robust pooled testing approach to expand COVID-19 screening capacity.
Douglas R Bish1, Ebru K Bish1, Hussein El-Hajj2
1University of Alabama, Information Systems, Statistics, and Management Science, Blacksburg, VA, United States of America.
Plos One
|February 8, 2021
Summary
COVID-19 testing capacity can be expanded using a robust pooling strategy. This method significantly reduces the number of tests required and speeds up results, especially for low-risk groups.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Limited COVID-19 testing capacity hindered pandemic response efforts.
- Sample pooling offers a method to increase testing throughput without additional resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mathematical model for determining optimal COVID-19 test pool sizes based on risk group prevalence.
- To create a practical tool for implementing robust pooling strategies.
Main Methods:
- A mathematical model was developed considering test sensitivity, specificity, and dynamic prevalence.
- A COVID-19 pooling design tool was created for practical application.
- A sequential framework was used to update pool sizes weekly based on prior data.
Main Results:
- Robust pooling reduced the number of tests by 88.5%–90.2% for low-risk and 54.2%–61.9% for high-risk groups.
- The strategy significantly decreased turnaround time for test results.
- Pooling enabled expanded screening coverage.
Conclusions:
- Robust pooling is an effective strategy to enhance COVID-19 screening capacity and efficiency.
- This approach can significantly reduce testing costs and improve response times.
- The method is adaptable to varying prevalence rates and risk stratifications.
