scholarly journals Digital droplet PCR accurately quantifies SARS-CoV-2 viral load from crude lysate without nucleic acid purification

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish N. Vasudevan ◽  
Peng Xu ◽  
Venice Servellita ◽  
Steve Miller ◽  
Leqian Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Potential Method ◽  
Disease Diagnosis ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Digital Droplet Pcr ◽  
Crude Lysate ◽  
Droplet Pcr ◽  
Nucleic Acid Purification

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus motivates diverse diagnostic approaches due to the novel causative pathogen, incompletely understood clinical sequelae, and limited availability of testing resources. Given the variability in viral load across and within patients, absolute viral load quantification directly from crude lysate is important for diagnosis and surveillance. Here, we investigate the use of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 viral load measurement directly from crude lysate without nucleic acid purification. We demonstrate ddPCR accurately quantifies SARS-CoV-2 standards from purified RNA and multiple sample matrices, including commonly utilized universal transport medium (UTM). In addition, we find ddPCR functions robustly at low input viral copy numbers on nasopharyngeal swab specimens stored in UTM without upfront RNA extraction. We also show ddPCR, but not qPCR, from crude lysate shows high concordance with viral load measurements from purified RNA. Our data suggest ddPCR offers advantages to qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection with higher sensitivity and robustness when using crude lysate rather than purified RNA as input. More broadly, digital droplet assays provide a potential method for nucleic acid measurement and infectious disease diagnosis with limited sample processing, underscoring the utility of such techniques in laboratory medicine.

scholarly journals Digital droplet PCR accurately quantifies SARS-CoV-2 viral load from crude lysate without nucleic acid purification

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish Vasudevan ◽  
Peng Xu ◽  
Venice Servellita ◽  
Steve Miller ◽  
Leqian Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Potential Method ◽  
Disease Diagnosis ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Digital Droplet Pcr ◽  
Crude Lysate ◽  
Droplet Pcr ◽  
Nucleic Acid Purification

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus motivates diverse diagnostic approaches due to the novel causative pathogen, incompletely understood clinical sequelae, and limited availability of testing resources. Given the variability in viral load across and within patients, absolute viral load quantification directly from crude lysate is important for diagnosis and surveillance. Here, we investigate the use of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 viral load measurement directly from crude lysate without nucleic acid purification. We demonstrate ddPCR accurately quantifies SARS-CoV-2 standards from purified RNA and multiple sample matrices, including commonly utilized universal transport medium (UTM). In addition, we find ddPCR functions robustly at low input viral copy numbers on nasopharyngeal swab specimens stored in UTM without upfront RNA extraction. We also show ddPCR, but not qPCR, from crude lysate shows high concordance with viral load measurements from purified RNA. Our data suggest ddPCR offers advantages to qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection with higher sensitivity and robustness when using crude lysate rather than purified RNA as input. More broadly, digital droplet assays provide a potential method for nucleic acid measurement and infectious disease diagnosis with limited sample processing, underscoring the utility of such techniques in laboratory medicine.

scholarly journals Evaluation of an Automated High-Throughput Liquid-Based RNA Extraction Platform on Pooled Nasopharyngeal or Saliva Specimens for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 615
Author(s):  
Allen Wing-Ho Chu ◽  
Cyril Chik-Yan Yip ◽  
Wan-Mui Chan ◽  
Anthony Chin-Ki Ng ◽  
Dream Lok-Sze Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Acid Extraction ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Nucleic Acid Extraction ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Pcr Inhibitors ◽  
Pcr Targeting

SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR with pooled specimens has been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic as a cost- and manpower-saving strategy for large-scale testing. However, there is a paucity of data on the efficiency of different nucleic acid extraction platforms on pooled specimens. This study compared a novel automated high-throughput liquid-based RNA extraction (LRE) platform (PHASIFYTM) with a widely used magnetic bead-based total nucleic acid extraction (MBTE) platform (NucliSENS® easyMAG®). A total of 60 pools of nasopharyngeal swab and 60 pools of posterior oropharyngeal saliva specimens, each consisting of 1 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 9 SARS-CoV-2 negative specimens, were included for the comparison. Real-time RT-PCR targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp/Hel gene was performed, and GAPDH RT-PCR was used to detect RT-PCR inhibitors. No significant differences were observed in the Ct values and overall RT-PCR positive rates between LRE and MBTE platforms (92.5% (111/120] vs 90% (108/120]), but there was a slightly higher positive rate for LRE (88.3% (53/60]) than MBTE (81.7% (49/60]) among pooled saliva. The automated LRE method is comparable to a standard MBTE method for the detection of SAR-CoV-2 in pooled specimens, providing a suitable alternative automated extraction platform. Furthermore, LRE may be better suited for pooled saliva specimens due to more efficient removal of RT-PCR inhibitors.

scholarly journals Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 viral copy number in saliva mouthwash samples using digital droplet PCR

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Oberding ◽  
Jia Hu ◽  
Byron Berenger ◽  
Abu Naser Mohon ◽  
Dylan R. Pillai
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Digital Droplet Pcr ◽  
Viral Copy Number ◽  
Droplet Pcr ◽  
Precise Quantification ◽  
Viral Copy ◽  
Mouth Wash

AbstractSaliva samples were collected through a simple mouth wash procedure and viral load quantified using a technology called digital droplet PCR. Data suggest ddPCR allows for precise quantification of viral load in clinical samples infected with SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Robotic RNA extraction for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance using saliva samples

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. Hamilton ◽  
Elizabeth C. Stahl ◽  
Connor A. Tsuchida ◽  
Enrique Lin-Shiao ◽  
C. Kimberly Tsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Acid Extraction ◽  
Nucleic Acid Extraction ◽  
Rapid Pcr ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

Saliva is an attractive specimen type for asymptomatic surveillance of COVID-19 in large populations due to its ease of collection and its demonstrated utility for detecting RNA from SARS-CoV-2. Multiple saliva-based viral detection protocols use a direct-to-RT-qPCR approach that eliminates nucleic acid extraction but can reduce viral RNA detection sensitivity. To improve test sensitivity while maintaining speed, we developed a robotic nucleic acid extraction method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva samples with high throughput. Using this assay, the Free Asymptomatic Saliva Testing (IGI-FAST) research study on the UC Berkeley campus conducted 11,971 tests on supervised self-collected saliva samples and identified rare positive specimens containing SARS-CoV-2 RNA during a time of low infection prevalence. In an attempt to increase testing capacity, we further adapted our robotic extraction assay to process pooled saliva samples. We also benchmarked our assay against the gold standard, nasopharyngeal swab specimens. Finally, we designed and validated a RT-qPCR test suitable for saliva self-collection. These results establish a robotic extraction-based procedure for rapid PCR-based saliva testing that is suitable for samples from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

scholarly journals Direct Saliva versus Conventional Nasopharyngeal Swab qRT-PCR to Diagnose SARS – CoV2: Validity Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
Michael L. Tee ◽  
Paulyn Jean R. Ubial ◽  
Diana Rose E. Ranoa ◽  
Cherica A. Tee ◽  
Aedrian A. Abrilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Diagnostic Validity ◽  
Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Feasible Alternative ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: Saliva has been demonstrated as a feasible alternative specimen to nasopharyngeal swab for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using real-time or quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method that bypasses the need for explicit viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction. Aim: To assess the diagnostic validity of direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 compared to conventional nasopharyngeal swab qRT-PCR. Methodology: Self-collected saliva samples were processed by heating at 95oC for 30 minutes followed by addition of buffer and detergent while viral RNA from nasopharyngeal swabs were extracted using the Sansure Biotech sample release reagent.  Paired samples were used as templates for qRT-PCR using the Sansure Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Kit and Sansure Biotech MA6000 Real-Time Quantitative PCR System. Direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR was compared to nasopharyngeal swab qRT-PCR in terms of diagnostic validity and agreement parameters, and both platforms were compared separately in terms of similar parameters with a composite reference standard (CRS) wherein the criteria for a positive result is SARS-CoV-2 detection in at least either nasopharyngeal swab or saliva. Results:  Of the 238 nasopharyngeal swab-saliva pairs tested, 20 (8.4%) nasopharyngeal swab and 24 (10.1%) saliva specimens tested positive. We documented a sensitivity of 85.0% (95% CI: 62.1%, 96.8%), specificity of 96.8% (95% CI: 93.5%, 98.7%), accuracy of 95.8% (95% CI: 92.4%, 98.0%) and Cohen Kappa of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.90) when direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR was compared to the conventional platform. When the two platforms were individually compared to the CRS, numerically higher but not statistically significant sensitivity and accuracy were noted for direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR than for nasopharyngeal swab qRT-PCR. Conclusion: Direct saliva-to-qRT-PCR is non-inferior to nasopharyngeal swab qRT-PCR for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using the Sansure Novel Coronavirus Nucleic Acid Diagnostic Kit.

scholarly journals Robotic RNA extraction for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance using saliva samples

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255690
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. Hamilton ◽  
Elizabeth C. Stahl ◽  
Connor A. Tsuchida ◽  
Enrique Lin-Shiao ◽  
C. Kimberly Tsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Acid Extraction ◽  
Nucleic Acid Extraction ◽  
Rapid Pcr ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

Saliva is an attractive specimen type for asymptomatic surveillance of COVID-19 in large populations due to its ease of collection and its demonstrated utility for detecting RNA from SARS-CoV-2. Multiple saliva-based viral detection protocols use a direct-to-RT-qPCR approach that eliminates nucleic acid extraction but can reduce viral RNA detection sensitivity. To improve test sensitivity while maintaining speed, we developed a robotic nucleic acid extraction method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva samples with high throughput. Using this assay, the Free Asymptomatic Saliva Testing (IGI FAST) research study on the UC Berkeley campus conducted 11,971 tests on supervised self-collected saliva samples and identified rare positive specimens containing SARS-CoV-2 RNA during a time of low infection prevalence. In an attempt to increase testing capacity, we further adapted our robotic extraction assay to process pooled saliva samples. We also benchmarked our assay against nasopharyngeal swab specimens and found saliva methods require further optimization to match this gold standard. Finally, we designed and validated a RT-qPCR test suitable for saliva self-collection. These results establish a robotic extraction-based procedure for rapid PCR-based saliva testing that is suitable for samples from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

scholarly journals Optimization of a molecular diagnostic strategy to verify SARS-CoV-2 infections by RT-qPCR

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Noßmann
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Strategy ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Rna Purification ◽  
Nucleic Acid Purification ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Individual

AbstractObjectivesFast and precise detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in infected patients is essential for treatment decisions.MethodsA diagnostic strategy by analyzing nasopharyngeal swabs to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in individuals was established. The negative impacts of the individual buffer components on RT-qPCR analysis was reviewed and overcome by RNA purification. To investigate the functionality of the improved protocol we compared the novel diagnostic strategy to a Bead-based RNA extraction method using previously positive tested samples.ResultsA method to extract purify RNA molecules from SARS-CoV-2 was established. We examined the significance of nucleic acid purification and the need for an RNase inhibitor. Evaluation of 3,664 samples from March 23rd until May 18th in 2020 showed the incidence of COVID-19 infections in Thuringia, Germany. Additionally, benefits and limits of three RT-qPCR kits were assessed.ConclusionsOur study suggests that virus capsid lysis combined with nucleic acid purification enables a viable alternative for the molecular diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Due to the current delivery delays from different companies, this method offers the possibility to continue diagnosis and to handle the large number of samples.

scholarly journals Estimation of conjunctival swab and nasopharyngeal swab specimens for viral nucleic acid detection in Coronavirus disease 2019 patients to compare the viral load

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Jaya Kaushik ◽  
Vikas Marwah ◽  
Ankita Singh ◽  
Y. V. K. Chaitanya ◽  
Rajeev Mohan Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Nucleic Acid Detection ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Viral Nucleic Acid ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Conjunctival Swab ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to detect the presence of viral ribonucleic acid of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in conjunctival swab along with nasopharyngeal swab specimens of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Material and Methods: Thirty COVID-19 patients with at least one sample positive for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab with the presence or absence of ocular manifestations were included in the study. The conjunctival swab along with nasopharyngeal swab of each patient was collected and sent to microbiology lab for evaluation and analysis of viral nucleic acid to assess the viral load. Results: Out of 30 patients, 21 patients (70%) were males and the remaining nine patients (30%) were females. Mean age of the patients in the study was 44.80 ± 15.37 years. One patient had conjunctivitis as ocular manifestation. Two (6.7%) out of 30 patients were positive for RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctival swab. There was no statistical correlation between nasopharyngeal swab and conjunctival swab positivity using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) = 0.010; P = 0.995 (>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 can also be detected in conjunctival swabs of confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients. Although, in comparison to nasopharyngeal and throat swabs the rate of detection of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival swabs is relatively less, still diligent care and precautions should be practiced during the ophthalmic evaluation of COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Effect of Heat inactivation on Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR of the SARS-COV-2 Detection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
yanxia liu ◽  
zhengan cao ◽  
mei chen ◽  
Yan zhong ◽  
yuhao luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Reverse Transcription ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Heat Inactivation ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Nucleic Acid Isolation ◽  
Heat Treated

Background: Real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) is commonly used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection. Heat inactivation prior to nucleic acid isolation may allow safe testing, while the effects of heat inactivation on SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR detection result need to be determined. Methods: 14 positive nasopharyngeal swab specimens were inactivated at 56°C for 30min, 56°C for 60min, 60°C for 30min, 60°C for 75min, and 100°C for 10min, and another 2 positive nasopharyngeal swab specimens were also inactivated at 100°C for 10min, 100°C for 30min, 100°C for 60min, after which the samples were isolated and detected by rRT-PCR. Results: All 14 heat treated samples remained positive. The range of threshold cycle (Ct) values observed when detecting ORF1a/b was 27.228-34.011 in heat-treated samples, while 25.281-34.861 in unheated samples, and the range of threshold cycle (Ct) values observed at the time of detecting N was 25.777-33.351 in heat-treated samples, while 24.1615-35.433 in unheated samples, on basis of which it showed no statistical difference otherwise a good correlation of Ct values between the heat-inactivated samples and the untreated samples. However, the 2 samples inactivated at 100°C 30min, 100°C 60min turned into negative. Conclusions: Heat inactivation at 56°C for 30min, 56°C for 60min, 60°C for 30min, 60°C for 75min, and 100°C for 10min shall not affect the detection results of Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR of the SARS-COV2. Furthermore, it is recommended to inactive nasopharyngeal swab specimens 10min at 100°C before RNA extraction in consideration of efficiency and reliable results. Key Words: SARS-CoV-2, Heat Inactivation, rRT-PCR, Comparison

scholarly journals Assessment of multiplex digital droplet RT-PCR as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection in nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva samples

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kévin Cassinari ◽  
Elodie Alessandri-Gradt ◽  
Pascal Chambon ◽  
Françoise Charbonnier ◽  
Ségolène Gracias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Transcription ◽  
Diagnostic Tool ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Digital Droplet Pcr ◽  
Reverse Transcription Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Droplet Pcr ◽  
Diagnosis Method ◽  
Genomic Regions ◽  
Imperfect Sensitivity

Abstract Background Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs is currently the reference COVID-19 diagnosis method but exhibits imperfect sensitivity. Methods We developed a multiplex reverse transcription-digital droplet PCR (RT-ddPCR) assay, targeting six SARS-CoV-2 genomic regions, and evaluated it on nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva samples collected from 130 COVID-19 positive or negative ambulatory individuals, who presented symptoms suggestive of mild or moderate SARS-CoV2 infection. Results For the nasopharyngeal swab samples, the results obtained using the 6-plex RT-ddPCR and RT-qPCR assays were all concordant. The 6-plex RT-ddPCR assay was more sensitive than RT-qPCR (85% versus 62%) on saliva samples from patients with positive nasopharyngeal swabs. Conclusion Multiplex RT-ddPCR represents an alternative and complementary tool for the diagnosis of COVID-19, in particular to control RT-qPCR ambiguous results. It can also be applied to saliva for repetitive sampling and testing individuals for whom nasopharyngeal swabbing is not possible.

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