Abtsract
The emergence and rapid dissemination worldwide of a novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) results in decrease of swabs availability for clinical samples collection, as well as, reagents for RT-qPCR diagnostic kits considered a confirmatory test for COVID-19 infection. This scenario, showed the requirement of improve de diagnostic capacity, so the aim of this study were to verify the possibility of reducing the reaction volume of RT-qPCR and to test cotton swabs as alternative for sample collection. RT-qPCR volumes and RNA sample concentration were optimized without affecting the sensitivity of assays, using both probe-based and intercalation dyes methods. Although rayon swabs showed better performance, cotton swabs could be used as alternative type for clinical sample collection. COVID-19 laboratory diagnosis is important to isolate and restrict the dissemination of virus, so seek for alternatives to decrease the coast of assays improve the control of disease.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.