Developed a self-sampling protocol for routine SARS-CoV-2 screening.
We have developed a protocol for obtaining and handling throat wash samples using a simple gargling procedure, which can be performed at home. This minimizes the logistical burden and infection risk associated with centralized sampling. The protocol has been extensively validated using samples from COVID-19 patients and detects SARS-CoV-2 infections with similar sensitivity to conventional nasopharyngeal swab tests.
Benchmarked and optimized all key components of RT-qPCR-based SARS-CoV-2 testing.
We have performed extensive benchmarking of different (1) methods for sample- and RNA preparation, (2) primer/probe sets including all commonly used and newly designed primers, (3) RT-qPCR protocols, including various commercial kits as well as custom-made enzyme and reagents. Based on these analyses, we have (1) established experimental standards for benchmarking RT-qPCR protocols, (2) identified suitable primer/probe sets for ultra-sensitive and specific SARS-CoV-2 detection, (3) improved assays for internal sample quality control, and (4) established RT-qPCR protocols that substantially reduce the costs per assay (by about 80%).
Established a standardized assay for sensitive, scalable, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 testing.
We have implemented optimized primer/probe sets and protocols for automated sample processing, RNA extraction, and RT-qPCR into a standardized assay for high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 screening. In benchmark analyses on COVID-19 patient samples, our assay matches the sensitivity and specificity of clinical diagnostic tests (Pearson correlation of Ct values = 0.97). With our current automated setup we are capable of analyzing ~4000 samples/day. Furthermore, we have started to evaluate sample pooling in order to further increase the throughput of our setup. We have demonstrated that, with our ultra-sensitive approach, pooling of nine samples is generally possible without producing false-negative results.
Applied our SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR screening platform to first pilot studies.
Following the establishment of optimized, cost-effective assays and automated workflows, we have started to apply our SARS-CoV-2 testing platform in first screening projects, each involving several thousand gargle samples. For administrating samples and test results, we have also developed a database and user interface that allows for sample processing and result retrieval in a fully anonymized format.
Explored innovative assays for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing at population-scale.
We are developing innovative NGS, RT-LAMP, and CRISPR/Cas9 based RNA detection assays, which hold great promise for ramping up testing capacities to population-scale at markedly reduced cost.
Shared our knowledge and protocols with numerous institutions in Austria and world-wide.
In all activities and projects above, we have shared our knowledge and protocols with similar initiatives around the world. We follow the firm conviction that a broad alliance of basic researchers and medical doctors is required to effectively fight the COVID-19 pandemic.