Comparison of nine different commercially available molecular assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2021 Jun;40(6):1303-1308. doi: 10.1007/s10096-021-04159-9. Epub 2021 Jan 29.

Abstract

To face the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for fast and reliable diagnostic assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 is immense. We describe our laboratory experiences evaluating nine commercially available real-time RT-PCR assays. We found that assays differed considerably in performance and validation before routine use is mandatory.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Diagnostics; Infectious disease; Laboratory diagnostics; Molecular testing; Real-time PCR; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing / standards*
  • COVID-19 Testing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / standards
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / standards
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic