Sample pooling as a strategy for community monitoring for SARS-CoV-2

Abstract Sample pooling strategy was intended to determine the optimal parameters for group testing of pooled specimens detection SARS-CoV-2 and process them without significant loss test usability. Standard molecular diagnostic laboratory equipment, commercially available centrifugal filters, RNA isolation kits SARS Cov2 PCR tests were used. The basic idea combine concentrate several samples maximal volume, which can be extracted with single extraction column. Out 16 tested pools, 12 positive cycle threshold (Ct) values within 0.5 3.01 Ct original individual specimens. analysis 112 determined that pools positive, followed by identification 6 among tested. This accomplished use extractions/PCR tests, resulting in saving 96 reactions but adding 40 filters. present study demonstrated pool could detect even up a sample value as high 34. According standard protocols, reagents this method applied easily current clinical laboratories.