Highlights
The CDC protocol for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR diagnosis includes 3 reactions per sample for the targets N1, N2 and RP, all them labelled with FAM.
We developed a triplex RT-qPCR assay for N1, N2 and RP with sensitivity of 97.7% and a limit of detection of 1000 copies/mL of sample.
This triplex assay is a time saving and cost effective alternative for the gold standard CDC protocol.
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CDC and WHO guidelines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis only recommend synthetic fiber swabs for nasopharyngeal (NP) sampling. We show that cotton-tipped plastic swabs do not inhibit PCR and have equivalent performance to rayon swabs. Cotton-tipped plastic swabs are massively produced worldwide and would prevent swab supply shortages under the current high SARS-CoV-2 testing demands, particularly in developing countries.
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