Development of a fully automated high throughput PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2: The need for speed.

Currently, testing for coronavirus is performed with time and personnel consuming PCR assays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and capacity of a fully automated, random access high-throughput real-time PCR-based diagnostic platform for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. TheNeuMoDx N96system displayed an equal or better detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 compared with theLightCycler 480IIsystem and showed a specificity of 100%. The median PCR run time for all 28 PCR runs was 91 (IQR 84-97) minutes. The capacity of theNeuMoDx N96could easily surpass the capacity of most currently used molecular test systems and significantly reduce the turn-around time.