[Implementation of isotermic PCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus]

During the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, measures were implemented to reduce contagion in hospitals. Among those measures it was included RT-PCR (reverse transcriptose polymerase chain reaction) tests, with an estimated result delivery time of approximately 3 hours. The Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 assay (Abbott Laboratories Chicago, IL) is performed on a portable device using isothermal technology for nucleic acid amplification that can produce a qualitative result in 13 minutes. The purpose of this article was to determine if the concordance of isothermal PCR with RT-PCR is good for its implementation in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) donors. To do this, the concordance of isothermal PCR with RT-PCR was determined using samples with both positive and negative results for the latter method. Follow-up was then carried out in the transplant program, using isothermal PCR to detect COVID-19 in HSC donors prior to collection. A comparison of opinions was made between other studies and what was observed in our hospital unit, contrasting firstly the concordance found (0.949) and secondly the experience with the implementation of isothermal PCR as a detection method, with which we conclude that the Abbott ID NOWTM COVID-19 assay is concordant with conventional RT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, and it is useful when reducing response time is required.