Quality of the sample-based RNA determines the real-time RT-PCR results in the laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19

Effect of the quality of sample-based RNA on COVID-19 real-time RT-PCR results was investigated. The purity of the extracts was dependent on the extraction method (P<0.0001) and affected the test interpretations (P = 0.002). Gross RNA concentration negatively correlated with Ct values (P < 0.0001). The presence of impurities contributed to inconclusive test results.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of sample-based RNA quality on COVID-19 real-time RT-PCR results. The purity of the extracts and concentration of RNA were found to impact test interpretations. The presence of impurities led to inconclusive test results.