Epidemiological Correlates of PCR Cycle Threshold Values in the Detection of SARS-CoV-2

Salvatore, Phillip P; Dawson, Patrick; Wadhwa, Ashutosh; Rabold, Elizabeth M; Buono, Sean; Dietrich, Elizabeth A; Reses, Hannah E; Vuong, Jeni; Pawloski, Lucia; Dasu, Trivikram; Bhattacharyya, Sanjib; Pevzner, Eric; Hall, Aron J; Tate, Jacqueline E; Kirking, Hannah L

BACKGROUND: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection has principally been performed through the use of real-time reverse-transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) testing. Results of such tests can be reported as cycle threshold (Ct) values, which may provide semi-quantitative or indirect measurements of viral load. Previous reports have examined temporal trends in Ct values over the course of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Using testing data collected during a prospective household transmission investigation of outpatient and mild COVID-19 cases, we examined the relationship between Ct values of the viral RNA N1 target and demographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics collected through participant interviews and daily symptom diaries. RESULTS: We found Ct values are lowest (corresponding to higher viral RNA concentration) soon after symptom onset and are significantly correlated with time elapsed since onset (p<0.001); within 7 days after symptom onset, the median Ct value was 26.5 compared with a median Ct value of 35.0 occurring 21 days after onset. Ct values were significantly lower among participants under 18 years of age (p=0.01) and those reporting upper respiratory symptoms at the time of sample collection (p=0.001) and were higher among participants reporting no symptoms (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the importance of early testing for SARS-CoV-2 among individuals with symptoms of respiratory illness and allows cases to be identified and isolated when their viral shedding may be highest.