Strand-Specific Reverse Transcription PCR for Detection of Replicating SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

We developed an assay that detects minus-strand RNA as a surrogate for actively replicating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We detected minus-strand RNA in 41 persons with coronavirus disease up to 30 days after symptom onset. This assay might inform clinical decision-making about patient infectiousness.

Keywords

• SARS-CoV-2
• RNA
• infection control
• testing
• COVID-19
• respiratory infections