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Preprint / Version 2

Real-time PCR-based SARS-CoV-2 detection

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José Francisco Cancino Mesa Granma Medical Science University, Manzanillo Medical Faculty Celia Sánchez Manduley, Cuba. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9328-9856
Adrián Alejandro Vitón Castillo Pinar del Río Medical Science University, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Medical Faculty, Pinar del Río, Cuba https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7811-2470
Jorge Casí Torres Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Celia Sánchez Manduley, Servicio de Medicina Interna. Manzanillo. Granma

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.707

Keywords:

Polymerase Chain Reaction, Coronavirus Infections, Clinical Laboratory Techniques

Abstract

The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction is a high precision technique to detect and amplify genetic material.

Aim: To describe the use of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction as a laboratory test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Method: a literature review was conducted on articles published up to May 2020. The following databases were consulted: Scopus, Wiley Online Library, SciELO, DIALNET, EBSCO, MEDLINE and PubMed. Articles in Spanish and English were retrieved, selecting 43 references.

Development: the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to detect SARS-CoV-2 targets the RNA polymerase dependent RNA, ORF1ab fragments, the E gene, the N gene and the S gene. Nasopharyngeal swabs offer better results than oropharyngeal swabs and saliva as a sample. The inclusion of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction tests (RT-PCR) using rectal swab specimens in suspected false-negative cases is necessary. New studies and techniques are being developed to optimise the detection process.

Conclusions: the availability of diagnostic tests is crucial for the isolation of positive cases and the monitoring of the transmission chain. RT-PCR proved to be the test of choice during the period of viral replication. The RT-LAMP assay is a rapid diagnostic alternative with similar principles to RT-PCR.