scholarly journals Analysis of external quality assessment samples revealed crucial performance differences between commercial RT-PCR assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection when taking extraction methods and real-time-PCR instruments into account

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Malecki ◽  
Jessica Luesebrink ◽  
Andreas Wendel ◽  
Frauke Mattner
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
External Quality Assessment ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Wide Range

In limelight of the ongoing pandemic SARS-CoV-2 testing is critical for the diagnosis of infected patients, contact-tracing and mitigating the transmission. Diagnostic laboratories are expected to provide appropriate testing with maximum accuracy. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) is the diagnostic standard yet many commercial diagnostic kits have become available. However, only a handful of studies have reviewed their performance in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the overall analytical matrix including the extraction kit (BD MAX, Promega, Qiagen), the PCR instrument (Agilent Mx3005P, BD MAX, Qiagen Rotor-Gene, Roche Cobas z 480) and the RT-PCR assay (Altona Diagnostics, CerTest Biotec, R-Biopharm AG) using predefined samples from proficiency testing organizers. The greatest difference of the Ct values between the matrices was 9 cycles. One borderline sample could not be detected by 3 out of 12 analytical matrices and yielded a false negative result. We therefore conclude that diagnostic laboratories should take the complete analytical matrix in addition to the performance values published by the manufacturer for a respective RT-PCR kit into account. With limited resources laboratories have to validate a wide range of kits to determine appropriate analytical matrices for detecting SARS-CoV-2 reliably. The interpretation of clinical results has to be adapted accordingly.

scholarly journals Performance of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test compared with real-time RT-PCR in asymptomatic individuals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mónica Peña ◽  
Manuel Ampuero ◽  
Carlos Garcés ◽  
Aldo Gaggero ◽  
Patricia García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Pivotal Role ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Antigen Test ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Asymptomatic Carriers ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
Pcr Diagnostics

AbstractScreening, testing and contact tracing plays a pivotal role in the control of COVID-19 pandemic. To carry out this strategy it is necessary to increase the testing capacity. Here, we compared a SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen test (RAT) and RT-PCR in 842 asymptomatic individuals from Tarapacá, Chile. We report a sensibility of 69.86%, a specificity of 99.61%, PPV of 94.44% and NPP of 97.22% with Ct values (Ct > 27) that were significantly higher among individuals with false-negative RAT. These results support the fact that RAT might have a significant impact in the identification of asymptomatic carriers in areas that lack well-equipped laboratories to perform SARS-CoV-2 real -time RT-PCR diagnostics or the results take more than 24-48 hours, as well as zones with high traffic of individuals, such as border/customs, airports, interregional bus, train stations or in any mass testing campaign requiring rapid results.

scholarly journals Rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection assay in comparison with real-time RT-PCR assay for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 in Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chutikarn Chaimayo ◽  
Bualan Kaewnaphan ◽  
Nattaya Tanlieng ◽  
Niracha Athipanyasilp ◽  
Rujipas Sirijatuphat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Antigen Detection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Screening Assay ◽  
The Real ◽  
Pcr Test

Abstract Background The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread across the world. Hence, there is an urgent need for rapid, simple, and accurate tests to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Performance characteristics of the rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection test should be evaluated and compared with the gold standard real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for diagnosis of COVID-19 cases. Methods The rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection test, Standard™ Q COVID-19 Ag kit (SD Biosensor®, Republic of Korea), was compared with the real-time RT-PCR test, Allplex™ 2019-nCoV Assay (Seegene®, Korea) for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory specimens. Four hundred fifty-four respiratory samples (mainly nasopharyngeal and throat swabs) were obtained from COVID-19 suspected cases and contact individuals, including pre-operative patients at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand during March–May 2020. Results Of 454 respiratory samples, 60 (13.2%) were positive, and 394 (86.8%) were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by real-time RT-PCR assay. The duration from onset to laboratory test in COVID-19 suspected cases and contact individuals ranged from 0 to 14 days with a median of 3 days. The rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection test’s sensitivity and specificity were 98.33% (95% CI, 91.06–99.96%) and 98.73% (95% CI, 97.06–99.59%), respectively. One false negative test result was from a sample with a high real-time RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct), while five false positive test results were from specimens of pre-operative patients. Conclusions The rapid assay for SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection showed comparable sensitivity and specificity with the real-time RT-PCR assay. Thus, there is a potential use of this rapid and simple SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection test as a screening assay.

Evaluation of Three Real-Time PCR Methods for Detection of Salmonella from Cloves

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
pp. 982-989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aparna Tatavarthy ◽  
Laila Ali ◽  
Vikas Gill ◽  
Lijun Hu ◽  
Xiaohong Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Dna Extraction ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Salmonella Serotypes ◽  
Pathogen Dna ◽  
Dna Extraction Methods

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to evaluate three real-time PCR platforms for rapid detection of Salmonella from cloves and to compare three different DNA extraction methods. Six trials were conducted with two clove cultivars, Ceylon and Madagascar, and three Salmonella serotypes, Montevideo, Typhimurium, and Weltevreden. Each trial consisted of 20 test portions. The preenrichment cultures were used to perform PCR for comparison of the effectiveness of U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pacific Regional Laboratory Southwest (FDA-PRLSW), Applied Biosystems Inc. (ABI) MicroSEQ, and GeneDisc platforms for detection of Salmonella. Three DNA extraction methods were used: standard extraction method for each PCR platform, boil preparation, and LyseNow food pathogen DNA extraction cards. The results from real-time PCR correlated well with FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual culture assay results, with a wide range of cycle threshold (CT) values among the three PCR platforms for intended positive samples. The mean CT values for MicroSEQ (16.36 ± 2.78) were significantly lower than for PRLSW (20.37 ± 3.45) and GeneDisc (23.88 ± 2.90) (P < 0.0001). Pairwise comparisons between PCR platforms using different DNA extraction methods indicate that the CT values are inversely proportional to the relative DNA quantity (RDQ) yields by different platform-extraction combinations. The pairing of MicroSEQ and boil preparation generated the highest RDQ of 120 and the lowest average CT value of 14.48, whereas the pairing of GeneDisc and LyseNow generated the lowest RDQ of 0.18 and the highest average CT of 25.97. Boil preparation yielded higher RDQ than the other extraction methods for all three PCR platforms. Although the MicroSEQ platform generated the lowest CT values, its sensitivity was compromised by narrow separations between the positive and negative samples. The PRLSW platform generated the best segregation between positive and negative groups and is less likely to produce false results. In conclusion, FDA-PRLSW was the most efficient PCR assay for Salmonella detection, and boil preparation was the best method for DNA extraction.

scholarly journals Multi-site Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Mutation Detection Using a Multiplex Real-time RT-PCR Assay

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Bier ◽  
Anke Edelmann ◽  
Kathrin Theil ◽  
Rolf Schwarzer ◽  
Maria Deichner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Clinical Specimens ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Global Pandemic

Background. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, which can be fatal and is responsible for a global pandemic. Variants with increased transmissibility or the potential to evade immunity have emerged and represent a threat to global pandemic control. Variants of concern (VOC) can be identified by sequencing of viral RNA, or by more rapid methods for detection of subsets of signature mutations. Methods. We developed a multiplex, real-time RT-PCR assay (cobas SARS-CoV-2 Variant Set 1) for the qualitative detection and differentiation of three key SARS-CoV-2 mutations in the viral spike protein: del 69-70, E484K and N501Y. Analytical sensitivity and accuracy were evaluated at three testing sites using clinical specimens from patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants belonging to several different lineages, including B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1. Results. The limit of detection for E484K was between 180 and 620 IU/mL for the three different isolates tested. For N501Y, the LOD was between 270 and 720 IU/mL (five isolates), while for del 69-70, it was 80 - 92 IU/mL (two isolates). Valid test results were obtained with all clinical specimens that were positive using routine diagnostic tests. Compared to sequencing (Sanger and next-generation), test results were 100% concordant at all three loci; no false positive or false negative results were observed. Conclusions. Data collected at three independent laboratories indicates excellent performance and concordance of cobas SARS-CoV-2 Variant Set 1 with sequencing. New sets of primers and probes that target additional loci can be rapidly deployed in response to the identification of other emerging variants.

scholarly journals Detection of Mycobacterium leprae using real-time PCR in paucibacillary leprosy patients with negative acid-fast bacilli smears

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-7
Author(s):  
Arleen Devita ◽  
Fera Ibrahim ◽  
Sri Linuwih Susetyo Wardhani Menaldi ◽  
Angky Budianti ◽  
Andi Yasmon
Keyword(s):  
Skin Biopsy ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Mycobacterium Leprae ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Acid Fast Bacilli ◽  
Diagnostic Capacity

BACKGROUND Leprosy is an infectious disease that is still a health problem worldwide, including in Indonesia. The clinical symptoms are similar to other skin diseases and it is difficult to establish a diagnosis for paucibacillary (PB) leprosy. Current serological and histopathological tests have limitations, especially in patients with negative acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Serological tests often give false-negative results, while histopathological results often consist of non-specific inflammation. Probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays is an alternative test that may be more sensitive and more specific to detect Mycobacterium leprae. METHODS This study was done in June 2015 until March 2016; detected M. leprae in PB patients with negative AFB smears using TaqMan® probe-based RT-PCR assay on slit skin scrapings and skin biopsy specimens from 24 patients. The skin scrapings were obtained from skin tissue on ear lobes, skin lesions, as well as those from biopsy. Samples were tested with RT-PCR while histopathological examinations were only performed on skin from biopsy. RESULTS The RT-PCR assay showed positive results of 21%, 25%, and 96% for specimens obtained from skin scrapings of the ear lobe, skin lesions, and skin biopsy, respectively. On the other hand, the positive rate for the histopathological test from skin biopsy was 79%. It indicated that the TaqMan® RT-PCR assay could increase the diagnostic capacity of histopathological examination by as much as 17%. CONCLUSIONS TaqMan® PCR assay can improve the diagnostic capacity of histopathological examinations, which could be used as the new gold standard for the diagnosis of leprosy.

Scoring System for the Diagnosis of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 413-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Farouk Allam
Keyword(s):  
Scoring System ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
False Negative Results ◽  
Symptoms And Signs

Due to the international spread of COVID-19, the difficulty of collecting nasopharyngeal swab specimen from all suspected patients, the costs of RT-PCR and CT, and the false negative results of RT-PCR assay in 41% of COVID-19 patients, a scoring system is needed to classify the suspected patients in order to determine the need for follow-up, home isolation, quarantine or the conduction of further investigations. A scoring system is proposed as a diagnostic tool for suspected patients. It includes Epidemiological Evidence of Exposure, Clinical Symptoms and Signs, and Investigations (if available). This scoring system is simple, could be calculated in a few minutes, and incorporates the main possible data/findings of any patient.

scholarly journals A misleading false-negative result of Pneumocystis real-time PCR assay due to a rare punctual mutation: A French multicenter study

2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solène Le Gal ◽  
Florence Robert-Gangneux ◽  
Yann Pépino ◽  
Sorya Belaz ◽  
Céline Damiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Multicenter Study ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
False Negative ◽  
False Negative Result ◽  
Pcr Assay

scholarly journals Viral Dynamics and Real-Time RT-PCR Ct Values Correlation with Disease Severity in COVID-19

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1091
Author(s):  
Ali A. Rabaan ◽  
Raghavendra Tirupathi ◽  
Anupam A Sule ◽  
Jehad Aldali ◽  
Abbas Al Mutair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Acid Extraction ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Viral Kinetics ◽  
Ct Value

Real-time RT-PCR is considered the gold standard confirmatory test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, many scientists disagree, and it is essential to understand that several factors and variables can cause a false-negative test. In this context, cycle threshold (Ct) values are being utilized to diagnose or predict SARS-CoV-2 infection. This practice has a significant clinical utility as Ct values can be correlated with the viral load. In addition, Ct values have a strong correlation with multiple haematological and biochemical markers. However, it is essential to consider that Ct values might be affected by pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytical variables such as collection technique, specimen type, sampling time, viral kinetics, transport and storage conditions, nucleic acid extraction, viral RNA load, primer designing, real-time PCR efficiency, and Ct value determination method. Therefore, understanding the interpretation of Ct values and other influential factors could play a crucial role in interpreting viral load and disease severity. In several clinical studies consisting of small or large sample sizes, several discrepancies exist regarding a significant positive correlation between the Ct value and disease severity in COVID-19. In this context, a revised review of the literature has been conducted to fill the knowledge gaps regarding the correlations between Ct values and severity/fatality rates of patients with COVID-19. Various databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2021 by using keywords including “RT-PCR or viral load”, “SARS-CoV-2 and RT-PCR”, “Ct value and viral load”, “Ct value or COVID-19”. Research articles were extracted and selected independently by the authors and included in the present review based on their relevance to the study. The current narrative review explores the correlation of Ct values with mortality, disease progression, severity, and infectivity. We also discuss the factors that can affect these values, such as collection technique, type of swab, sampling method, etc.

scholarly journals Development and application of a real-time RT-PCR assay to rapidly detect H2 subtype avian influenza A viruses

2021 ◽  
pp. 104063872199481
Author(s):  
Yixin Xiao ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
Fumin Liu ◽  
Hangping Yao ◽  
Nanping Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Minor Groove Binder ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Infectious Dose ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Taqman Minor Groove Binder

The H2 subtypes of avian influenza A viruses (avian IAVs) have been circulating in poultry, and they have the potential to infect humans. Therefore, establishing a method to quickly detect this subtype is pivotal. We developed a TaqMan minor groove binder real-time RT-PCR assay that involved probes and primers based on conserved sequences of the matrix and hemagglutinin genes. The detection limit of this assay was as low as one 50% egg infectious dose (EID50)/mL per reaction. This assay is specific, sensitive, and rapid for detecting avian IAV H2 subtypes.

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