Evaluation of sample pooling method for SARS CoV-2 RNA detection; a laboratory based simulated study

Real time RT-PCR is considered as the gold standard test to detect COVID-19. The use of sample pooling strategy increases testing capacity and spares resources. However, effectiveness should be evaluated in setting before being implemented. Forty five samples including 20 high positives (Ct<20), low (Ct 20-40) 05 negative were used prepare 1:1, 1:3 1:5 simulated pools which then subjected viral RNA extraction followed by real RT-PCR. Sensitivity specificity technique detection SARS-CoV-2 was 100% without significant variation Ct values. According our results, up 6 will not have an effect on final result clinical hence can adopted given context for diagnosis COVID-19