Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in Phosphate-Buffered Saline for Molecular Detection
Garrett A. Perchetti, Meei‐Li Huang, Vikas Peddu, Keith R. Jerome, Alexander L. Greninger
Abstract
RNA viruses often require “cold chains” of transportation to prevent the breakdown of genetic material. The logistics of getting samples from the patient to a diagnostic laboratory, sometimes thousands of miles away from the original collection site, can be complex and resource intensive (1, 2). Nucleic acid degradation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA can compromise the accuracy of molecular detection methods. It has been demonstrated that nasopharyngeal specimens containing SARS-CoV-2 can be stored in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a substitute for viral transport medium (VTM) for up to 7 days (3). Here, we evaluate the stability of differing viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 over 28 days stored at room temperature, 4°C, –20°C, or –80°C.