Two-Stage Hierarchical Group Testing Strategy to Increase SARS-CoV-2 Testing Capacity at an Institution of Higher Education: A Retrospective Analysis.
J Mol Diagn
; 23(12): 1691-1698, 2021 12.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1433559
Preprint
This scientific journal article is probably based on a previously available preprint. It has been identified through a machine matching algorithm, human confirmation is still pending.
See preprint
This scientific journal article is probably based on a previously available preprint. It has been identified through a machine matching algorithm, human confirmation is still pending.
See preprint
ABSTRACT
Population testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is necessary because of the potential for viral transmission from asymptomatic cases, yet the scarcity of reagents and equipment has increased the cost-prohibitive implementation of screening campaigns at institutions of higher education. Significant analytical sensitivities of nucleic acid amplification methods permit sample pooling to increase testing capacity. Statistical models compared optimal testing configurations for pools of 3, 5, and 10 samples. Assessment of pooling using the TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit multiplex assay (ORF1ab, N, and S gene targets) involved a limit-of-detection study, matrix-effect study, and clinical comparison of neat with pooled samples. A limit of detection of 135.02 (ORF1ab; 95% CI, 117.21-155.52), 373.92 (N; 95% CI, 257.05-437.64), and 1001.32 (S; 95% CI, 896.62-1118.33) gene copy equivalents per milliliter was resolved. Seventy-two randomly selected samples showed slight suppression owing to a negative sample matrix. The resulting mean cycle threshold shifts were 2.09 (ORF1ab), 1.76 (N), and 2.31 (S) for the 3-sample pool, 2.83 (ORF1ab), 2.45 (N), and 3.24 (S) for the 5-sample pool, and 3.99 (ORF1ab), 3.46 (N), and 4.07 (S) for the 10-sample pool. Despite a quantitative sensitivity loss trend, the qualitative result was unaffected in each pool. According to the range of disease prevalence observed at the testing site (0.03% to 7.32%), a pool of five samples was deemed an optimal and cost-effective option for monitoring the Northeastern University community.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19 Testing
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Mol Diagn
Journal subject:
Molecular Biology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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