@article{Morehouse_Z-2021_39724,
title = {Validation of a direct-to-PCR COVID-19 detection protocol utilizing mechanical homogenization: a model for reducing resources needed for accurate testing},
author = {Morehouse, Z. and Samikwa, L. and Proctor, C. and Meleke, H. and Kamdolozi, M. and Ryan, G. and Chaima, D. and Ho, A. and Nash, R. and Nyirenda, T.},
month = {aug},
year = {2021},
abstract = {Efficient and effective viral detection methodologies are a critical piece in the global response to COVID-19, with PCR-based nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab testing serving as the current gold standard. With over 100 million confirmed cases globally, the supply chains supporting these PCR testing efforts are under a tremendous amount of stress, driving the need for innovative and accurate diagnostic solutions. Herein, the utility of a direct-to-PCR method of SARS-CoV-2 detection grounded in mechanical homogenization is examined for reducing resources needed for testing while maintaining a comparable sensitivity to the current gold standard workflow of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab testing. In a head-to-head comparison of 30 patient samples, this initial clinical validation study of the proposed homogenization-based workflow demonstrated significant agreeability with the current extraction-based method utilized while cutting the total resources needed in half.},
volume = {16},
issue = {8},
journal = {PLoS ONE},
publisher = {Public Library of Science},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256316},
}
