An Ultra-Rapid Real-Time RT-PCR Method Using the PCR1100 to Detect Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases Vol. 74; no. 1; pp. 29 - 34
• Main Authors: Shirato, Kazuya, Nao, Naganori, Matsuyama, Shutoku, Takeda, Makoto, Kageyama, Tsutomu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases Editorial Committee 29.01.2021; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; COVID-19 - virology; COVID-19 Testing - instrumentation; COVID-19 Testing - methods; Humans; PCR1100; Polymerase chain reaction; Real time; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction - instrumentation; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; Respiratory diseases; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction - instrumentation; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; SARS-CoV-2 - genetics; SARS-CoV-2 - isolation & purification; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); ultra-rapid real-time RT-PCR; Viral diseases; ultra-rapid real-time RT-PCR; PCR1100; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
• ISSN: 1344-6304; 1884-2836; 1884-2836
• DOI: 10.7883/yoken.JJID.2020.324

The disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has rapidly spread worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is usually detected via real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, the increase in specimen load in institutions/hospitals necessitates a simpler detection system. Here, we present an ultra-rapid, real-time RT-PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection using PCR1100 device. Although PCR1100 tests only one specimen at a time, the amplification period is less than 20 min and the sensitivity and specificity match those of conventional real-time RT-PCR performed on large instruments. The method is potentially helpful when daily multiple SARS-CoV-2 testing is needed, for example to confirm virus-free status prior to patient discharge.