Increased SARS-CoV-2 Testing Capacity with Pooled Saliva Samples

We analyzed feasibility of pooling saliva samples for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing and found that sensitivity decreased according to pool size: 5 samples/pool, 7.4% reduction; 10 samples/pool, 11.1%; and 20 samples/pool, 14.8%. When virus prevalence is >2.6%, pools of 5 require fewer tests; when <0.6%, pools of 20 support screening strategies.

Automated summary

Sensitivity of pooling saliva samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing decreases with larger pool sizes, with pools of 5 requiring fewer tests at virus prevalence >2.6% and pools of 20 supporting screening strategies at prevalence <0.6%.