Pooled testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection in an automated high-throughput platform

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Public Health

Background:

• Active detection of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for COVID-19 pandemic control.
• Large-scale RT-PCR testing increases demand for testing kits, raising availability concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of pooled testing using a high-throughput platform.
• To evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of pooled testing for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a two-stage Dorfman pooling algorithm on the Roche cobas 6800.
• Tested 1410 samples individually and then in pooled formats.
• Assessed the sensitivity of detecting single positive samples within negative sample pools.

Main Results:

• Identified 42 (2.9%) positive samples and 27 (9.5%) positive pools using five-sample pooling.
• Achieved 100% sensitivity in detecting positive samples even at 1:64 dilution.
• Observed a threefold increase in daily throughput at one-third the cost.

Conclusions:

• The Roche cobas 6800 platform effectively increases SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity via pooled testing.
• Pooled testing strategies can double or triple testing capacity, aiding pandemic management.
• This approach supports the containment of community transmission by improving testing accessibility.