Validation and verification of the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 Plus RealAmp kit on the ELITe InGenius® instrument

BACKGROUND: Throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a rapid identification of the virus was essential to quickly recognize positive cases and limit further spread by applying appropriate infection prevention. Many diagnostic laboratories use a multiplex Real-Time PCR assay, as they are not only highly sensitive but also specific. Currently, there are several assays and platforms in the market available which target different SARS-CoV-2 genes. The aim of this study was to validate and verify the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit on the ELITe InGenius® instrument and compare to the national reference method. METHODS: GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit was evaluated against the routine WHO in- house Real-Time PCR assay, which is also the national reference method in the Netherlands and used in our laboratory. The sensitivity was tested using the analytical panel from Qnostics (Glasgow, United Kingdom) and the specificity was tested with patient material comprising of other seasonal respiratory viruses. In addition, 96 clinical samples initially analyzed by routine Real-Time PCR were tested using the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit on the ELITe InGenius® instrument. RESULTS: The GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit had a similar performance compared to routine in-house testing, with a limit of detection of 500 dC/mL for the RdRp-gene and E gene. Meanwhile, the N gene showed a limit of detection of 50 dC/mL. The SARS-CoV-2 test was highly specific and detected no other respiratory viruses. The results of the clinical samples were comparable between both assays with similar Ct values observed for the in-house Real-Time-PCR and the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit for the N gene. CONCLUSION: The GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit on the ELITe InGenius® instrument had an appropriate sensitivity and specificity that could be used in small scale laboratories or during night shifts where accurate diagnostics are crucial.