Comparative effects of viral-transport-medium heat inactivation upon downstream SARS-CoV-2 detection in patient samples

Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that sample treatment can greatly affect the downstream performance of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic kits, with varying impact depending on the kit. We also showed that one-step heat-inactivation methods could reduce time from swab receipt to outcome of test result. Combined, these findings present alternatives to the protocols in use and can serve to alleviate any arising supply-chain issues at different points in the workflow, whilst accelerating testing, and reducing cost and environmental impact.PMID:33734960 | DOI:10.1099/jmm.0.001301

Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - March 18, 2021 Category: Microbiology Authors: Jamie L Thompson Angela Downie Ruiz Velasco Alice Cardall Rebecca Tarbox Jaineeta Richardson Gemma Clarke Michelle Lister Hannah C Howson-Wells Vicki M Fleming Manjinder Khakh Tim Sloan Nichola Duckworth Sarah Walsh Chris Denning C Patrick McClure Andrew Source Type: research