Validation of a direct-to-PCR COVID-19 detection protocol utilizing mechanical homogenization: a model for reducing resources needed for accurate testing

Morehouse, Z. P., Samikwa, L., Proctor, C. M., Meleke, H., Kamdolozi, M., Ryan, G. L., Chaima, D., Ho, A. , Nash, R. J. and Nyirenda, T. S. (2021) Validation of a direct-to-PCR COVID-19 detection protocol utilizing mechanical homogenization: a model for reducing resources needed for accurate testing. PLoS ONE, 16(8), e0256316. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256316) (PMID:34407126) (PMCID:PMC8372900)

Abstract

Efficient and effective viral detection methodologies are a critical piece in the global response to COVID-19, with PCR-based nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab testing serving as the current gold standard. With over 100 million confirmed cases globally, the supply chains supporting these PCR testing efforts are under a tremendous amount of stress, driving the need for innovative and accurate diagnostic solutions. Herein, the utility of a direct-to-PCR method of SARS-CoV-2 detection grounded in mechanical homogenization is examined for reducing resources needed for testing while maintaining a comparable sensitivity to the current gold standard workflow of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab testing. In a head-to-head comparison of 30 patient samples, this initial clinical validation study of the proposed homogenization-based workflow demonstrated significant agreeability with the current extraction-based method utilized while cutting the total resources needed in half.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: All work conducted to complete this manuscript was supported solely through private funding provided by Omni International Inc, A PerkinElmer Company.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ho, Dr Antonia

Creator Roles

Ho, A.: Project administration, Resources, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Morehouse, Z. P., Samikwa, L., Proctor, C. M., Meleke, H., Kamdolozi, M., Ryan, G. L., Chaima, D., Ho, A., Nash, R. J., and Nyirenda, T. S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: PLoS ONE
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• ISSN: 1932-6203
• ISSN (Online): 1932-6203
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Morehouse et al.
• First Published: First published in PLoS ONE 16(8): e0256316
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License