Scientists at the National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute, the Clinical Center and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research have jointly developed a modification of the PCR procedure to diagnose COVID. The modification bypasses the required extraction of viral RNA, simplifying purification and reducing time and expense. The procedure allows direct detection of virus by applying real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Dr. Robert B. Hufnagel, Principal Investigator, noted, "this novel methodology has clear benefits in increasing the sensitivity, cost and time savings for testing". He added, "the method stabilizes the RNA at room temperature for easier transport, storage and handling in clinical settings". The preparation procedure is suitable for either nasopharyngeal or saliva samples and also inactivates the virus creating safer conditions for lab personnel.
It is anticipated that the procedures will be licensed to a pharmaceutical company for commercial application.