Alternative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by a new assay based on mass spectrometry

Objectives: Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is essential to stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the recently introduced MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel and to compare it to the cobas (R) SARS-CoV-2 Test. Methods: The MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel consists of five assays targeting different sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Accuracy was determined using national and international proficiency panels including 27 samples. For clinical evaluation, 101 residual clinical samples were analyzed and results compared. Samples had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with the cobas (R) SARS-CoV-2 Test. Results: When accuracy was tested with the MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel, 25 of 27 (92.6%) samples revealed correct results. When clinical samples were analyzed with the MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel and compared to the cobas (R) SARS-CoV-2 Test, 100 samples showed concordant results. One sample was found to be inconclusive with the MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel. When time-to-results were compared, the new assay showed longer total and hands-on times. Conclusions: The MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel showed a good performance and proved to be suitable for use in the routine diagnostic laboratory. Especially during phases of shortage of reagents and/or disposables, the new test system appears as beneficial alternative to standard assays used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.