scholarly journals Remote Health Monitoring in the Workplace for Early Detection of COVID-19 Cases during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using a Mobile Health Application: COVIDApp.

Author(s):  
Patricia Echeverría ◽  
Jordi Puig ◽  
José María Ruiz ◽  
Jordi Herms ◽  
Maria Sarquella ◽  
...  

Background: COVIDApp is a platform created for management of COVID-19 in the workplace. Methods: COVIDApp was designed and implemented for the follow-up of 253 workers from seven companies in Catalonia. The assessment was based on two actions: first, the early detection and management of close contacts and potential cases of COVID-19, and second, the rapid remote activation of protocols. The main objectives of this strategy were to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 infection in the work area through a new real-time communication channel and to avoid unnecessary sick leave. The parameters reported daily by workers were close contact with COVID cases and signs and/or symptoms of COVID-19. Results: Data were recorded between 1 May and 30 November 2020. A total of 765 alerts were activated by 76 workers: 127 green alarms (16.6%), 301 orange alarms (39.3%), and 337 red alarms (44.1%). Of all the red alarms activated, 274 (81.3%) were activated for symptoms potentially associated with COVID-19, and 63 (18.7%) for reporting close contact with COVID-19 cases. Only eight workers (3.1%) presented symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. All of these workers underwent RT-PCR tests, which yielded negative results for SARS-CoV2. Three workers were considered to have had a risk contact with COVID-19 cases; only 1 (0.4%) asymptomatic worker had a positive RT-PCR test result, requiring the activation of protocols, isolation, and contact tracing. Conclusions: COVIDApp contributes to the early detection and rapid activation of protocols in the workplace, thus limiting the risk of spreading the virus and reducing the economic impact caused by COVID-19 in the productive sector. The platform shows the progression of infection in real time and can help design new strategies.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwynngelle A Borillo ◽  
Ron M Kagan ◽  
Russell E Baumann ◽  
Boris M Fainstein ◽  
Lamela Umaru ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Nucleic acid amplification testing is a critical tool for addressing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Specimen pooling can increase throughput and conserve testing resources but requires validation to ensure that reduced sensitivity does not increase the false-negative rate. We evaluated the performance of a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use for pooled testing of upper respiratory specimens. Methods Positive specimens were selected from 3 prevalence groups, 1%–3%, >3%–6%, and >6%–10%. Positive percent agreement (PPA) was assessed by pooling single-positive specimens with 3 negative specimens; performance was assessed using Passing-Bablok regression. Additionally, we assessed the distributions of RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values for 3091 positive specimens. Results PPA was 100% for the 101 pooled specimens. There was a linear relationship between Ct values for pooled and single-tested specimens (r = 0.96–0.99; slope ≈ 1). The mean pooled Ct shifts at 40 cycles were 2.38 and 1.90, respectively, for the N1 and N3 targets. The median Cts for 3091 positive specimens were 25.9 (N1) and 24.7 (N3). The percentage of positive specimens with Cts between 40 and the shifted Ct was 1.42% (N1) and 0.0% (N3). Conclusions Pooled and individual testing of specimens positive for SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated 100% agreement, which demonstrates the viability of pooled specimens for SARS-COV-2 testing using a dual-target RT-PCR system. Pooled specimen testing can help increase testing capacity for SARS-CoV-2 with a low risk of false-negative results.


2008 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Arenberger ◽  
Monika Arenbergerova ◽  
Olga Vohradnikova ◽  
Jaromir Kremen

Author(s):  
Soheli Farhana ◽  
Md Masum Billah ◽  
Zulkhairi Mohd Yusof ◽  
Kushsairy Kadir ◽  
Abdul Malik Mohd Ali ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Liao ◽  
Yong Zhao ◽  
Luxin Wang

ABSTRACT This study developed RNA-based predictive models describing the survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) during storage at 0, 4, and 10°C. Postharvested oysters were inoculated with a cocktail of five V. parahaemolyticus strains and were then stored at 0, 4, and 10°C for 21 or 11 days. A real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay targeting expression of the tlh gene was used to evaluate the number of surviving V. parahaemolyticus cells, which was then used to establish primary molecular models (MMs). Before construction of the MMs, consistent expression levels of the tlh gene at 0, 4, and 10°C were confirmed, and this gene was used to monitor the survival of the total V. parahaemolyticus cells. In addition, the tdh and trh genes were used for monitoring the survival of virulent V. parahaemolyticus. Traditional models (TMs) were built based on data collected using a plate counting method. From the MMs, V. parahaemolyticus populations had decreased 0.493, 0.362, and 0.238 log10 CFU/g by the end of storage at 0, 4, and 10°C, respectively. Rates of reduction of V. parahaemolyticus shown in the TMs were 2.109, 1.579, and 0.894 log10 CFU/g for storage at 0, 4, and 10°C, respectively. Bacterial inactivation rates (IRs) estimated with the TMs (−0.245, −0.152, and −0.121 log10 CFU/day, respectively) were higher than those estimated with the MMs (−0.134, −0.0887, and −0.0732 log10 CFU/day, respectively) for storage at 0, 4, and 10°C. Higher viable V. parahaemolyticus numbers were predicted using the MMs than using the TMs. On the basis of this study, RNA-based predictive MMs are the more accurate and reliable models and can prevent false-negative results compared to TMs. IMPORTANCE One important method for validating postharvest techniques and for monitoring the behavior of V. parahaemolyticus is to establish predictive models. Unfortunately, previous predictive models established based on plate counting methods or on DNA-based PCR can underestimate or overestimate the number of surviving cells. This study developed and validated RNA-based molecular predictive models to describe the survival of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters during low-temperature storage (0, 4, and 10°C). The RNA-based predictive models show the advantage of being able to count all of the culturable, nonculturable, and stressed cells. By using primers targeting the tlh gene and pathogenesis-associated genes (tdh and trh), real-time RT-PCR can evaluate the total surviving V. parahaemolyticus population as well as differentiate the pathogenic ones from the total population. Reliable and accurate predictive models are very important for conducting risk assessment and management of pathogens in food.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-410
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Bahreini ◽  
Rezvan Najafi ◽  
Razieh Amini ◽  
Salman Khazaei ◽  
Saeid Bashirian

As the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic spreads rapidly, there is need for a diagnostic test with high accuracy to detect infected individuals especially those without symptoms. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a common molecular test for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2. If some factors are not taken into consideration when performing this test, it can have a relatively large number of false negative results. In this article, we discuss important considerations that could lead to false negative test reduction. Key words: • SARS-CoV-2 • COVID-19 • Real time polymerase chain reaction • RT-PCR test • Diagnosis • False negatives • Genetics • Emerging disease   Copyright © 2020 Bahreini et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Tooy ◽  
Janno B. Bernadus ◽  
Angle Sorisi

Abstract: Malaria is one of the most important parasitic disease which is caused by Plasmodium spp. There are approximately 1,2 billion people in the world with high risk of getting malaria. Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) is the cause of tropical malaria or falciparum malaria, and is responsible for most of the mortality rate. Currently, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is being studied as an alterative of conventional malarian examination. Mangold et al reported that RT-PCR have 94.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared to microscopic examination in detecting P. falciparum. The aim of this research is to detect the presence of P. falciparum using RT-PCR in Likupang and Bitung region. This research were using descriptive design to find out the capability of real-time PCR method to detect P. falciparum in Likupang dan Bitung region. The researcher have examined 71 samples which are fulfill the research sample’s criteria. Postive results of P. falciparum found in 18 samples (25,3%) and negative results in 53 samples (74,6%) of total 71 samples with using RT-PCR. No positive results were found in samples from Likupang. There are positive result of P. falciparum in samples from Bitung. It is concluded that RT-PCR method can detect the presence of P. falciparum from the samples obtained from Likupang and Bitung based on the presence of its DNA. This detection efford is done by using 18S rRNA as target gene and ajust specific temperature on the RT-PCR instrument.Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum, Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DetectionAbstrak: Malaria merupakan salah satu penyakit penting yang disebabkan oleh parasit Plasmodium spp. Kira-kira 1,2 miliar penduduk dunia memiliki risiko tinggi untuk mendapat malaria. Di Indonesia sendiri, terdapat 343.527 kasus terkonfirmasi dan 45 kematian karena malaria. Plasmodium falciparum (P. Falciparum) merupakan penyebab dari malaria tropika atau malaria falsiparum, dan bertanggung jawab atas sebagian besar angka mortalitas. Saat ini Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) telah banyak diteliti sebagai alternatif dari pemeriksaan malaria. Mangold dkk melaporkan bahwa real-time PCR memiliki nilai sensitivitas 94,1% dan nilai spesifisitas 100% terhadap pemeriksaan mikroskopis dalam mendeteksi P. falciparum. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mendeteksi P. falciparum dengan menggunakan RT-PCR di daerah Likupang dan Bitung. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan penelitian deskriptif untuk mengetahui kemampuan metode real-time PCR dalam mendeteksi P. falciparum di daerah Likupang dan Bitung. Tujuan penelitian ini ialah untuk mendeteksi keberadaan P. falciparum dengan menggunakan metode real-time PCR di daerah Likupang dan Bitung. Peneliti memeriksa 71 sampel darah yang memenuhi kriteria sampel penelitian. Hasil positif P. falciparum ditemukan pada 18 sampel (25,3 %) dan hasil negatif pada 53 sampel (74,6 %) dari total 71 sampel dengan menggunakan RT-PCR. Tidak ditemukannya hasil positif P. falciparum pada sampel dari Likupang. Ditemukan hasil positif P. falciparum pada sampel dari Bitung. Simpulan: Metode RT-PCR dapat mendeteksi P. falciparum berdasarkan keberadaan DNA-nya pada sampel yang diperoleh dari daerah Likupang dan Bitung. Deteksi ini berhasil dilakukan dengan menggunakan 18S rRNA sebagai gen target dan pengaturan suhu tertentu pada instrument RT-PCR.Kata kunci: P. falciparum, Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Detection


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mónica Peña ◽  
Manuel Ampuero ◽  
Carlos Garcés ◽  
Aldo Gaggero ◽  
Patricia García ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Hugo Marquette ◽  
Jacques Boutros ◽  
Jonathan Benzaquen ◽  
Marius Ilié ◽  
Mickelina Labaky ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe current diagnostic standard for coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing with naso-pharyngeal (NP) swabs. The invasiveness and need for trained personnel make the NP technique unsuited for repeated community-based mass screening. We developed a technique to collect saliva in a simple and easy way with the sponges that are usually used for tamponade of epistaxis. This study was carried out to validate the clinical performance of oral sponge (OS) sampling for SARS-CoV-2 testing.MethodsOver a period of 22 weeks, we collected prospectively 409 paired NP and OS samples from consecutive subjects presenting to a public community-based free screening center. Subjects were referred by their attending physician because of recent COVID-19 symptoms (n=147) or by the contact tracing staff of the French public health insurance since they were considered as close contacts of a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case (n=262).ResultsIn symptomatic subjects, RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 testing with OS showed a 96.5% (95%CI: 89.6-94.8) concordance with NP testing, and, a 93.3% [95%CI: 89.1-97.3] sensitivity. In close contacts the NP-OS concordance (93.8% [95%CI: 90.9-96.7]) and OS sensitivity (71.9% [95%CI: 66.5-77.3]) were slightly lower.ConclusionThese results strongly suggest that OS testing is a straightforward, low-cost and high-throughput sampling method that can be used for frequent RT-PCR testing of COVID-19 patients and mass screening of populations.Summary of the “take home” messageOS sampling for SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR is an easy to perform, straightforward self-administered sampling technique, which has a sensitivity of up to 93.3% in symptomatic patients and 71% in close contact subjects.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4879-4879
Author(s):  
John Greg Howe ◽  
Jill Crouch ◽  
Brian R. Smith

Abstract Introduction: With the recent introduction of imatinib (Gleevec) as a therapeutic agent for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the need for quantitation of the level of tumor cells after treatment has become essential. Our lab has for a number years tested for CML using a sensitive qualitative nested RT-PCR assay for BCR/ABL. We wanted to develop a quantitative test that retained the sensitivity of our qualitative test and contained an initial screen to prevent unnecessary quantitative testing as well as develop quantitative tests for the various breakpoints. Methods: The new test is divided into three parts. A real-time multiplex qualitative RT-PCR screen containing specific primers for the p190, p210 and p230 BCR/ABL forms and a common labeled probe. If a patient sample is positive in the screen, the original nested RT-PCR test is performed to determine which BCR/ABL form is present. This is followed by a real-time quantitative RT-PCR test for the identified BCR/ABL translocation. Subsequent follow up tests require only the specific quantitative test. Results: Comparing negative results from 82 patient (various clinical presentations) samples tested by the previous qualitative test with the new qualitative screen showed completely correlation. Out of 31 CML patients studied, both test strategies gave the same result for 20 positive and 13 negative samples. Patients with multiple samples collected over time showed complete correlation between the two assays. Conclusions: The new quantitative BCR/ABL testing strategy yielded results that correlated with the previous qualitative BCR/ABL assay.


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