A novel automated SARS-CoV-2 saliva PCR test protects a global asymptomatic workforce

Sci Rep. 2021 Jun 16;11(1):12676. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-92070-w.

Abstract

Regular PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs from symptomatic individuals for SARS-CoV-2 virus has become the established method by which health services are managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses such as AstraZeneca have also prioritised voluntary asymptomatic testing to keep workplaces safe and maintain supply of essential medicines to patients. We describe the development of an internal automated SARS-CoV-2 testing programme including the transformative introduction of saliva as an alternative sample type.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Asymptomatic Diseases / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing / methods*
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods
  • Humans
  • Nasopharynx / virology
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics*
  • Saliva / virology*
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Workforce*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral