Massive and rapid COVID-19 testing is feasible by extraction-free SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR

Ioanna Smyrlaki; Martin Ekman; Martin Vondracek; Natali Papanicoloau; Antonio Lentini; Johan Aarum; Shaman Muradrasoli; Jan Albert; Björn Högberg; Björn Reinius

Following this, we also hypothesize that the direct RT-qPCR pipeline for COVID-19 testing might be made even more efficient by sampling directly into a lysis buffer containing detergents such as Triton X-100 containing chemical RNase inhibitors and pH ~6.5 for RNA stability. Such lysed samples could be taken immediately to RT-qPCR analysis and diluted in the RT-qPCR master mix without intervening steps. Although the data is limited and the procedure needs to be refined, our results on saliva and nose/throat samples using cotton swabs (Fig. 4e) suggest that this strategy is workable. If the sensitivity ultimately proves to be adequate for meaningful decisions on self-isolation to limit spread, then this method could be applied to samples taken by the test-subjects themselves, opening a path to massive screening of the population. (Fig. 4e) were self-collected samples from volunteer from a COVID-19 clinical screen performed in the Stockholm area, organized by the Public Health Agency of Sweden. For swab samples (nose + throat), two cotton tipped wooden swabs were used. Instructs were provided via written note to introduce one swabs into the throat All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission. the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity.