Quantitative Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Chain Reaction
SARS-CoV-2 copies of NP1 in nasal swab viral transport medium (VTM) were
quantified by qRT-PCR using the CDC-recommended kit (CDC-006-00019,
Revision: 03). Viral RNA was extracted according to manufacturer’s
instructions (QiaAmp Viral RNA kit). Regression analysis of threshold
cycle number versus a serial dilution of a NP1 gene standard (Integrated
DNA Technologies) was used to determine NP1 copy number. Data were
normalized to input RNA and reported as copy/mL of VTM.