No abstract

25Rapid and reliable screening of SARS-CoV-2 is fundamental to assess viral spread and limit the 26 pandemic we are facing. In this study we evaluated the reliability and the efficiency of a direct 27 RT-QPCR method (without RNA extraction) using SeeGene Allplex TM 2019-nCoV RT-QPCR and 28 the influence of swab storage media composition on further viral detection. 29We show that SeeGene's assay provides similar efficiency as the RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR 30 kit (Altona Diagnostics), and that RNA extraction is not necessary nor advantageous if samples 31 are stored in UTM or molecular water but is recommended if samples are stored in saline 32 solution and in Hanks medium. 33 34