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Rapid inactivation and sample preparation for SARS-CoV-2 PCR-based diagnostics using TNA-Cifer Reagent E
Nina M Pollak1,2,3, Daniel J Rawle4, Kexin Yan4
1Center for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|October 23, 2023
Summary
A new reagent, TNA-Cifer Reagent E, rapidly inactivates SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples, enabling safe and efficient RT-qPCR testing. This method simplifies sample preparation, reducing costs and handling times for COVID-19 diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Diagnostic Technologies
Background:
- Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is crucial for COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.
- Current methods involve sample collection in virus transport media (VTM), followed by laboratory-based RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate TNA-Cifer Reagent E for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation and sample preparation for RT-qPCR.
- To compare TNA-Cifer Reagent E with traditional RNA extraction methods.
Main Methods:
- SARS-CoV-2 samples were mixed with TNA-Cifer Reagent E (1:5 ratio) for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Clinical nasal swab samples (n=61) were tested using TNA-Cifer Reagent E and compared to column-based RNA extraction.
Main Results:
- TNA-Cifer Reagent E inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and allowed for RT-qPCR detection.
- The reagent demonstrated high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (97.37%) compared to established methods.
- SARS-CoV-2 samples with TNA-Cifer Reagent E were stable for 3 days at room temperature and 2 weeks at 4°C.
Conclusions:
- TNA-Cifer Reagent E offers a safer approach to molecular SARS-CoV-2 testing by rapid viral inactivation.
- This reagent streamlines sample processing, eliminating the need for costly RNA extraction kits and equipment.
- The method holds potential for decentralized molecular testing outside traditional laboratory settings.
