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URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bfd2ji8e

Authors: Nicola O'Reilly, Svend Kjaer, Maria Greco

Group: Coronavirus Method Development Community, Crick COVID-19 Consortium

Summary: Purpose of examination / Clinical relevanceAt the end of 2019, several pneumonia cases were reported in Wuhan, China and the pathogen was confirmed as a new viral strain. World Health organization has named the newly identified coronavirus as 2019-nCoV, also known as COVID19. The disease developed into a dangerous pandemic, posing major challenges to the NHS. Although more research is necessary to better understand the virus, in response to the emergency, simple and rapid testing is essential to identify the virus in infected individuals. This will aid the implementation of efficient interventions to contain the spread, and distinguish healthcare workers who have been infected, and are required to self-isolate, from those showing similar symptoms but which are not 2019-nCoV associated. The latter category may continue to work, alleviating stress on hard-pressed healthcare resources. 2019-nCoV is an RNA virus, and the diagnostic tests detect viral RNA in swabs from patient airways using a reverse transcriptase PCR assay. Samples are submitted to HSL, an accredited reporting laboratory, and transferred to FCI for testing.Principles of ExaminationThis procedure involves the preparation of binding buffer for the RNA extraction protocol.

Associated Publications:

Aitken, J., Ambrose, K., Barrell, S. et al. Scalable and robust SARS-CoV-2 testing in an academic center. Nat Biotechnol (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-020-0588-y

Affiliations: The Francis Crick Institute, The Francis Crick Institute, The Francis Crick Institute

External URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-020-0588-y

Version: 1

Publication Date: 2020

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