Comparison of Two Field Deployable PCR Platforms for SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A and B Viruses’ Detection
Background: Respiratory viral infections are a major public health challenge and the most diagnosed medical condition, particularly for individuals living in close proximity, like military personnel. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of the Biomeme Franklin<sup>TM</sup> and Tru...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Pathogens |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/1/27 |
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| Summary: | Background: Respiratory viral infections are a major public health challenge and the most diagnosed medical condition, particularly for individuals living in close proximity, like military personnel. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of the Biomeme Franklin<sup>TM</sup> and Truelab<sup>®</sup> RT-PCR thermocyclers to determine which platform is more sensitive and specific at detecting SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A and B viruses. Methodology: RNA extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs of infected and uninfected individuals was tested on the Biomeme Franklin<sup>TM</sup> at Lackland and the Truelab<sup>®</sup> at Wright Patterson Air Force bases. Results: We found an 88% and 71% positivity rate in SARS-CoV-2-infected samples tested on Biomeme and Truelab<sup>®</sup>, respectively. Likewise, we found a 49% and 80% positivity rate in influenza-positive samples tested on Biomeme and Truelab<sup>®</sup>, respectively. One hundred percent of uninfected swab samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 on both platforms. Conversely, 91% and 100% of uninfected swabs tested negative for flu on Biomeme and Truelab<sup>®</sup>, respectively. Significance: Differences in specificity and sensitivity in detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza between Biomeme and Truelab<sup>®</sup> suggest that Truelab<sup>®</sup> is a more promising and potentially deployable diagnostic platform for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses’ detection in an austere environment. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-0817 |