Pooled Sample Test?
With the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, doing a good job in viral nucleic acid detection is the top priority. However, detection of the virus is still limited due to resource constraints. Pooled sample testing offers a way to significantly improve testing power.
“mixed nucleic acid test” or “Pooled Sample Test”, referred to as “mixed test”.
Which means that two or more samples are mixed and tested. method for positive samples.
What is the difference between the “mixed collection” of community nucleic acid testing and the “single collection” of the hospital?
Why do community streets adopt the mixed mining model?
Under what circumstances should I test individually?
What is pooled COVID testing?
The so-called “mixed detection” of nucleic acid.
Takes throat swab samples from multiple people and puts them together for viral nucleic acid detection.
Pooled Sample Test VTM Kits
In fact, Medical use of Pooled Samples is common.
In blood collection systems such as apheresis stations.
We use pooled samples to detect the presence of infectious disease antigens and antibodies in pooled samples of multiple people.
There are two modes of “mixed detection”. One is to sample several people, such as 3 or 5 people and put them into the same sampling tube.
The other is to mix samples of the same volume from 3 or 5 people during laboratory testing, also known as “sample mixing”.
From a scientific point of view, the first “mixed sampling” mode will not affect the sensitivity of nucleic acid detection. While the latter mode of mixed detection of samples has a certain impact on the sensitivity of the detection, the degree of impact is controllable.
In order to detect high-risk groups, such as symptomatic patients and close contacts in fever clinics, we still recommend separate sampling.
For screening of low-risk groups, pooled sample test is our first choice.
Is the mixed detection technology reliable?
Is the “five-in-one” and “ten-in-one” mixed mining detection technology reliable?
“The size of the single-collection tube and the mixed-collection tube are different, and the amount of the preservation solution is also different.
Based on the results of a large number of basic experimental research and practical operations in the previous period.
The increase in the volume of the mixed-collection preservation solution has no effect on the detection results of weakly positive specimens.”
In the case of an extremely low positive rate, the 10-in-1 mixed detection technology is very efficient.
The FDA is aware that there is a great interest in performing testing using pooled samples.
This approach increases the number of individuals who can be tested with the same amount of resources.
What are the benefits of mixed nucleic acid detection?
The hybrid detection of nucleic acid has greatly improved the nucleic acid detection capability, reduced the burden of personal testing costs, and did not affect the time for issuing the test report.
The testing time of a single test and mixed test laboratory is the same, but compared with a single test, the mixed test is more suitable for mass and group screening.
In the case of small-scale outbreaks, the use of mixed detection can improve efficiency, play the role of multiple screening, early diagnosis, reduce transmission, and save social costs.
Whether the population is suitable for mixed testing shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the provincial and municipal epidemic prevention and control headquarters,
The medical institutions carrying out the testing must follow the technical requirements and standards of the municipal health department.
Which groups recommend the single purchase and single inspection?
It is worth mentioning that single sampling and single inspection are recommended for specific populations.
The above notice specifically mentioned that COVID-19 nucleic acid 10 in 1 and 5 in one mixed detection technology is suitable for large-scale rapid screening of the low-risk populations, and is more suitable when the overall positive rate of population is low (0.1%).
However, for the detection of high-risk groups such as symptomatic patients, close contacts and people in key areas in fever clinics.
Recommended to adopt single sampling and single detection.
What should I pay attention to when doing pooled sample detection?
1. When going to the testing point for nucleic acid testing, wear a mask, and it is best to prepare one or two spare masks.
2. Two hours before the swab test, it is recommended not to eat to avoid vomiting during the test.
3. When waiting for the test, remember to keep a distance of more than one meter between the front and rear personnel to avoid close contact.
4. Whether it is doing swab testing or getting the report, it needs to be certified as one, so be sure to bring ID cards, receipts and other materials, so as to avoid incomplete materials at that time, which will affect the testing and reporting.