Sample Pooling: A Cost-Saving Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 Screening in Hospitalized Patients and Attending Relatives – Insights from a Secondary Care Hospital Amidst the Omicron Wave

Abstract

Background: Pooled real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 screening is cost- and labor-saving, but data during the Omicron wave are lacking. Objective: To examine a correlation between pooled rRT-PCR as a screening method for SARS-CoV-2 and community COVID-19 incidence. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively collected data on pooled rRT-PCR testing as a COVID-19 screening strategy between February 1 and April 30, 2022 in the present study center. Results: In comparison to performing single rRT-PCR testing, pooled rRT-PCR testing strategy reduced the numbers of rRT-PCR testing by 73.36%, 53.63%, and 54.7% in February, March, and April, respectively. The community COVID-19 incidence rate per day (CCIR) averaged 25.43, 48.12, and 80.96 per 100,000 population per day during February, March, and April, respectively. Conclusion: Small pooled rRT-PCR testing of up to five samples may be a cost-effective screening strategy among selected populations despite high CCIR during the Omicron wave. Keywords: Pooled rRT-PCR; Screening