SARS-CoV-2 RNA Virus Detection from Saliva Samples

A simple methodology for detecting viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA from saliva samples using direct reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and capillary gel electrophoresis with fluorescence detection is presented. The simplified process minimizes the sample collection and treatment steps by eliminating the need for RNA extraction and purification. The treated saliva lysates are directly amplified using a portable thermocycler within 90 minutes, followed by end-point PCR detection utilizing simple-to-use capillary gel electrophoresis instruments in less than 5 minutes per sample run. The Direct RT-PCR Saliva detection platform not only offers a promising option for rapid, accurate and cost-effective COVID-19 testing that avoids the need for costly real time quantitative PCR systems, but it also offers the potential to become portable and eventually available for point-of-care or even at-home use. The detection of other respiratory viruses beyond SARS-CoV-2 in decentralized testing labs is also envisioned......