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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.04.17.047118

Comparison of SARS-CoV2 N gene real-time RT-PCR targets and commercially available mastermixes

Brown, J. R.·O'Sullivan, D.·Pereira, R. P.·Whale, A. S.·Busby, E.·Huggett, J.·Harris, K.
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Abstract

We aim to test four one-step RT real-time mastermix options for use in SARS-CoV2 real-time PCR, with three primer/probe assays targeting the N gene. The lower limit of detection is determined using a SARS CoV2 N gene RNA transcript dilution series (to 1 copy/{micro}l) and verified using 74 nose and throat swabs. The N2 assay demonstrates the most sensitive detection of SARS-Cov-2 RNA. Three of the four mastermixes performed well, with the Takara One Step PrimeScript III RT-PCR Kit mastermix demonstrating improved performance at the lower limit of detection.

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Brown, J. R., O'Sullivan, D., Pereira, R. P., Whale, A. S., Busby, E., Huggett, J., Harris, K.. 2020-04-19. Comparison of SARS-CoV2 N gene real-time RT-PCR targets and commercially available mastermixes. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.17.047118

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