Reduction in cycle time for a rapid polymerase chain reaction diagnostic test at the point of care

BACKGROUND: Rapid testing facilitates safe and effective diagnosis, but the true speed of the process is the time from collection of a sample to delivery of an accurate and reliable test result – ‘end-to-end’ time. Transport, unpacking and relaying of information can extend this time considerably beyond the minimum laboratory turnaround times as stipulated by PCR testing protocols. AIM/OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to minimise time needed to ascertain SARS-CoV-2 status prior to treatment in a UK Dental Hospital using a novel, mobile, direct to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) workflow. METHODS: Process flow analysis and PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycles for rapid continuous improvement were employed in a service improvement programme. Primerdesign™ q16 rapid PCR instruments and PROmate® COVID-19 direct assays were used for molecular testing. FINDINGS/RESULTS: We showed a reduction in real-world end-to-end time for a diagnostic test from 240 min to 85 min (65% reduction) over a 4-week period. DISCUSSION: New rapid technologies have become available that reduce analytical time to under 90 min, but the real-world clinical implementation of the test requires a fully integrated workflow from clinic to reporting.