Figure 2: Highly sensitive and reproducible SARS-CoV-2 viral particle detection from varied sample matrices. Serial dilution of quantified heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viral particles were spiked into preserved Nasal, Oral, and Saliva samples prior to RNA isolation using Norgen’s Saliva/Swab RNA Purification Kit (Cat. 69100) and RT-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 N gene and ORF1ab, and human RNase P (internal control). A) Linear detection of down to ten (10) viral copies per PCR reaction was reliably achieved in all sample types (n = 3; error is standard deviation).

Figure 3: Highly specific detection of SARS-CoV-2; No cross reactivity with other similar/major pathogens. Pathogen concentrations of ≥ 105 pfu/mL (for viruses), ≥ 106 CFU/mL (for bacteria), or 200,000 copies/uL of COVID-19 TaqMan RT-PCR Kit (N/ORF1ab genes) Positive Control were spiked into Nasal Swab and Saliva samples prior to RNA isolation using Norgen’s Saliva/Swab RNA Purification Kit (Cat. 69100) and RT-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 N gene and ORF1ab, and human RNase P (internal control). Positive SARS-CoV-2 detection was achieved only from SARS-CoV-2-spiked and Postive Control-spiked samples.

Figure 4: Robust detection, even with common sample contaminants. Nasal Swab and Saliva samples were supplemented with common contaminents either following or during collection, with a select subset shown here. 4 x LoD (40 viral copies per PCR reaction) of heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viral particles were spiked into samples prior to RNA isolation using Norgen’s Saliva/Swab RNA Purification Kit (Cat. 69100) and RT-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 N gene and ORF1ab, and human RNase P (internal control). Positive SARS-CoV-2 detection was achieved in all cases (n = 5; error is standard deviation).

Figure 5: RT-PCR data interpretation key. In addition to this, the No Template Control (NTC) must not exhibit fluorescence above threshold; and each target in the N/ORF1ab/RP Positive Control must be detected (ideally <25 Ct). If these conditions are not met, the data is invalid, and the assay must be repeated.