SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing and whole genome sequencing following RNA recovery from used BinaxNOW COVID-19 antigen self tests

• Published in: Journal of clinical virology Vol. 162; p. 105426
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Phuong-Vi, Carmola, Ludy Registre, Wang, Ethan, Bassit, Leda, Rao, Anuradha, Greenleaf, Morgan, Sullivan, Julie A., Martin, Greg S., Lam, Wilbur A., Waggoner, Jesse J., Piantadosi, Anne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.05.2023
• Subjects: COVID-19; COVID-19 - diagnosis; Humans; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Rapid test; RNA, Viral - analysis; RNA, Viral - genetics; RT-PCR; SARS-CoV-2; SARS-CoV-2 - genetics; Sequencing; Whole Genome Sequencing - methods; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Rapid test; Sequencing; RT-PCR
• ISSN: 1386-6532; 1873-5967; 1873-5967
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105426

•SARS-CoV-2 RNA from used Binax test swabs collected and stored at home can be detected by rRT-PCR and used for genotyping and full viral genome sequencing.•Used Binax test swabs provide an important opportunity to improve population-level SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, as an increasing amount of testing is performed at home.•SARS-CoV-2 sequences generated from used Binax test swabs can be used to evaluate transmission clusters, identify travel-associated infections, and monitor within-patient evolution. Widespread use of over-the-counter rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 has led to a decrease in availability of clinical samples for viral genomic surveillance. As an alternative sample source, we evaluated RNA isolated from BinaxNOW swabs stored at ambient temperature for SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR and full viral genome sequencing. 81 of 103 samples (78.6%) yielded detectable RNA, and 46 of 57 samples (80.7 %) yielded complete genome sequences. Our results illustrate that SARS-CoV-2 RNA extracted from used Binax test swabs provides an important opportunity for improving SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, evaluating transmission clusters, and monitoring within-patient evolution.