Validation of a rapid, saliva-based, and ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 screening system for pandemic-scale infection surveillance

R.E. Dewhurst; T. Heinrich; P. Watt; P. Ostergaard; J.M. Marimon; M. Moreira; P.E. Houldsworth; J.D. Rudrum; D. Wood; S. Kõks

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-08263-4

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Validation of a rapid, saliva-based, and ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 screening system for pandemic-scale infection surveillance

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Validation of a rapid, saliva-based, and ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 screening system for pandemic-scale infection surveillance

R.E. Dewhurst, T. Heinrich, P. Watt, P. Ostergaard, J.M. Marimon, M. Moreira, P.E. Houldsworth, J.D. Rudrum, D. Wood and S. Kõks

Scientific Reports, Vol.12(1), Art. 5936

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08263-4

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Abstract

Without any realistic prospect of comprehensive global vaccine coverage and lasting immunity, control of pandemics such as COVID-19 will require implementation of large-scale, rapid identification and isolation of infectious individuals to limit further transmission. Here, we describe an automated, high-throughput integrated screening platform, incorporating saliva-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology, that is designed for population-scale sensitive detection of infectious carriers of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Central to this surveillance system is the “Sentinel” testing instrument, which is capable of reporting results within 25 min of saliva sample collection with a throughput of up to 3840 results per hour. It incorporates continuous flow loading of samples at random intervals to cost-effectively adjust for fluctuations in testing demand. Independent validation of our saliva-based RT-LAMP technology on an automated LAMP instrument coined the “Sentinel”, found 98.7% sensitivity, 97.6% specificity, and 98% accuracy against a RT-PCR comparator assay, confirming its suitability for surveillance screening. This Sentinel surveillance system offers a feasible and scalable approach to complement vaccination, to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, and control future pandemics to save lives.

Details

Title: Validation of a rapid, saliva-based, and ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 screening system for pandemic-scale infection surveillance
Authors/Creators: R.E. Dewhurst (Author/Creator) - Agriculture Victoria Services (Australia)
T. Heinrich (Author/Creator) - Agriculture Victoria Services (Australia)
P. Watt (Author/Creator) - Agriculture Victoria Services (Australia)
P. Ostergaard (Author/Creator) - Agriculture Victoria Services (Australia)
J.M. Marimon (Author/Creator) - Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute
M. Moreira (Author/Creator) - Nashotah House Theological Seminary
P.E. Houldsworth (Author/Creator) - Nashotah House Theological Seminary
J.D. Rudrum (Author/Creator) - Agriculture Victoria Services (Australia)
D. Wood (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
S. Kõks (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
Publication Details: Scientific Reports, Vol.12(1), Art. 5936
Publisher: Springer Nature
Identifiers: 991005540315707891
Copyright: © 2022 The Authors.
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.104 Virology - General; 1.104.1353 Coronavirus Research
Web Of Science research areas: Infectious Diseases
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine