Detection method of SARS-CoV-2 with Smart Gene (nasopharyngeal swab samples)
The Smart Gene reagent consists of test cartridges with all reagents required for purification, amplification, and detection of nucleic acids and dedicated extraction reagent solution. Analysis was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from the patients using the sterilized cotton swabs recommended by the kit (Nipro sponge swab TYPE R, Nipro Corporation), and they were suspended with dedicated extraction reagent solution. Then, four drops (approximately 110 μL) of the suspended sample were dripped into a test cartridge, and analysis was performed using Smart Gene. Nucleic acid purification, reverse transcription reaction, and PCR were performed for up to 45 cycles. The sample was defined as positive when the result exceeded the threshold from 23 cycles of PCR [