Faster, More Effective, Less Costly COVID-19 Test Developed by the NIH

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed a quicker, more effective, and less costly method to detect SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The method was developed in collaboration with with the National Eye Institute (NEI), the NIH Clinical Center (CC), and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). The report of the new technique was published in iScience.

Standard testing for detecting COVID-19 is conducted using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), which involves augmenting viral RNA to discernible levels. However, manufacturers of RNA extraction kits have encountered challenges in keeping up with the vast demand during the pandemic, which has impended testing capacity. Suffice it to say, as new variants emerge, the need for COVID testing is critical.

How was the New Test Developed?

The study was developed by a team led by Robert B. Hufnagel, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the NEI Medical Genetics and Ophthalmic Genomic Unit, and Bin Guan, Ph.D., a fellow at the Ophthalmic Genomics Laboratory at NEI. The researchers used a chelating agent to preserve COVID-19  RNA in samples for detection by RT-qPCR testing.

“We used nasopharyngeal and saliva samples with various virion concentrations to evaluate whether they could be used for direct RNA detection,” said Guan, the lead author of the report via a press release.  “The answer was yes, with markedly high sensitivity. Also, this preparation inactivated the virus, making it safer for lab personnel to handle positive samples.”

To validate the test, researchers first collated patient sample, and stored them in either viral transport media, or the chelating-resin-buffer at the NIH Symptomatic Testing Facility. The samples in the chelating-resin-buffer were heated, and subsequently the viral RNA was tested using RT-qPCR.

NIH scientists develop faster COVID-19 test https://t.co/SxdqCeC3L5

— B N Sullivan, PhD (@twellness) August 17, 2021

According to the results, the new technique markedly increased RNA for testing compared to the standard method. “We think this novel methodology has clear benefits of increasing sensitivity, cost and time savings for testing,” said Dr. Hufnagel, “The method stabilizes the RNA at room temperature for easier transport, storage, and handling in clinical settings.”

NIH scientists develop faster COVID-19 test. The method is the result of a collaboration among researchers at the National Eye Institute (@NatEyeInstitute), the @NIH Clinical Center, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (@NIDCR). https://t.co/MJ5oqVfUtA

— Christopher Fox (@IADR_Fox) August 16, 2021

NIH scientists develop faster, less costly COVID-19 test https://t.co/L2GWKXPxEZ pic.twitter.com/6BXan5mvgm

— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) August 17, 2021