COVID-19
VirologyPerformance and Implementation Evaluation of the Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Test in a High-Throughput Drive-Through Community Testing Site in MassachusettsRapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for SARS-CoV-2 antigens (Ag) that can be performed at point of care (POC) can supplement molecular testing and help mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Deployment of an Ag RDT requires an understanding of its operational and performance characteristics under real-world conditions and in relevant subpopulations.
CommentaryApproach to Assessment of New Swabs and Viral Transport Media for SARS-CoV-2 TestingIn light of the present pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the unprecedented high demand for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing worldwide, there are shortages of established specimen collection devices for respiratory viral testing for diagnostic microbiology laboratories. This creates the need to validate unverified collection devices from manufacturers that may not be a...
MinireviewImmunologic Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Infection from the Antigen PerspectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread globally as a severe pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 infection stimulates antigen-specific antibody responses.
MinireviewPerformance of Saliva, Oropharyngeal Swabs, and Nasal Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Detection: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisNasopharyngeal (NP) swabs are considered the highest-yield sample for diagnostic testing for respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The need to increase capacity for SARS-CoV-2 testing in a variety of settings, combined with shortages of sample collection supplies, have motivated a search for alternative sample types with high sensitivity.
VirologyPortable RT-PCR System: a Rapid and Scalable Diagnostic Tool for COVID-19 TestingCombating the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demands accurate, rapid, and point-of-care testing with fast results to triage cases for isolation and treatment. The current testing relies on reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), which is routinely performed in well-equipped laboratories by trained professionals at specific locations.
VirologyCopan eNAT Transport System To Address Challenges in COVID-19 Diagnostics in Regions with Limited Testing AccessCommunity-based health care clinics and hospital outreach services have the potential to expand coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnostics to rural areas. However, reduced specimen stability during extended transport, the absence of a cold chain to centralized laboratories, and biosafety concerns surrounding specimen handling have limited this expansion.
VirologyRapid High-Throughput Whole-Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 by Using One-Step Reverse Transcription-PCR Amplification with an Integrated Microfluidic System and Next-Generation SequencingThe long-lasting global COVID-19 pandemic demands timely genomic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Here, we report a simple and efficient workflow for whole-genome sequencing utilizing one-step reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) amplification on a microfluidic platform, followed by MiSeq amplicon sequencing.
VirologyVerification and Validation of SARS-CoV-2 Assay Performance on the Abbott m2000 and Alinity m SystemsWe verified the analytical performance of the Abbott RealTime SARS-CoV-2 assay on the m2000 system and compared its clinical performance to the CDC 2019-nCoV real-time PCR diagnostic panel and the Thermo Fisher TaqPath RT-PCR COVID-19 kit. We also performed a bridging study comparing the RealTime SARS-CoV-2 assay with the new Abbott Alinity m SARS-CoV-2 assay.
