A discussion on implementing pooling detection tests of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) for a large population

Abstract

A pooled sample analysis strategy for novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)) is proposed for a large population in this paper. The population to be tested is divided into divisions based on earlier observed detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 first. Samples collected are then grouped in appropriate pooled size. The number of tests per person in that population is expressed as a function of two variables: the observed detection rate and the pooled size or number of samples grouped. The minimum number of tests per person can be further shown to be a function of only one of these two variables, because these two parameters are found to be related at this minimum. A management scheme on grouping the samples is proposed in order to reduce the number of tests, to save time, which is of utmost importance in fighting an epidemic. The proposed testing scheme will be useful for supporting the government in making decisions to handle regular routine detection tests for identifying asymptomatic patients and implementing health code system in large population of millions of citizens. Another important point is to use smaller number of test kits, allowing more resources to speed up the mass screening tests, particularly in places not so rich.

Pooled Testing Strategies for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis: A comprehensive review

“…With the underlying prevalence rate of 2% in South Korea, sample stratification in pools up to 16 using a multi- stage scheme allows a five -fold efficiency gain relative to individual testing( Eberhardt et al, n.d. ). Other simulation models and algorithms have also been proposed( Chow and Chow, 2021 ; Nalbantoglu, 2020 ; Pilcher et al, 2005 ; Polage et al, 2020 ; Vukičević and Polašek, 2020 ).…”

Urgent need for evaluation of point-of-care tests as an RT-PCR-sparing strategy for the diagnosis of Covid-19 in symptomatic patients

“…However, it also represents a bottleneck for broadening testing policies, particularly in low-resource settings, because it depends on specialised laboratories, requires trained personnel and has relatively high turn-around times. In this regard, Chow et al [1] proposed the pooling strategy to increase mass screening capacity, which is particularly necessary in low-income countries. Herein, we aim to present the importance of evaluating RT-PCR-sparing strategies to overcome testing shortages by deploying available point-of-care (PoC) tests.…”

A discussion on the minimum required number of tests in two common pooling test methods for SARS-CoV-2

“…Mass screening test exerts tremendous pressure on the government in terms of resources and time. One possible way out to more efficiently carry out mass testing [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] is to make use of group testing via pooling samples from a group of people, aiming at saving time, materials, and test kits. This is especially important in developing countries with limited resources as pointed out before [12][13][14].…”

“…One possible way out to more efficiently carry out mass testing [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] is to make use of group testing via pooling samples from a group of people, aiming at saving time, materials, and test kits. This is especially important in developing countries with limited resources as pointed out before [12][13][14]. With more efficient use of available resources, a wider testing coverage can be achieved, which is very important in COVID-19 control.…”

“…A brief summary on four feasible methods has been recently reviewed [9]. Among these the simplest method, which is also the pooling method commonly used, was discussed earlier [12][13][14]. It is interesting to note that pooling test was also studied using mathematical modelling and simulation [23].…”