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BACKGROUND: Repeat COVID-19 molecular testing can lead to positive test results after negative tests and to multiple positive test results over time. The association between positive tests and infectious virus is important to quantify. METHODS: A two months cohort of retrospective data and consecutively collected specimens from COVID-19 patients or patients under investigation were used to understand the correlation between prolonged viral RNA positive test results, cycle threshold (Ct) values and growth of SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. Whole genome sequencing was used to confirm virus genotype in patients with prolonged viral RNA detection. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used to assess the rate of false negative COVID-19 diagnostic tests. RESULTS: In two months, 29,686 specimens were tested and 2,194 patients received repeated testing. Virus recovery in cell culture was noted in specimens with SARS-CoV-2 target genes’ Ct value average of 18.8 ± 3.4. Prolonged viral RNA shedding was associated with positive virus growth in culture in specimens collected up to 20 days after the first positive result but mostly in individuals symptomatic at time of sample collection. Whole genome sequencing provided evidence the same virus was carried over time. Positive tests following negative tests had Ct values higher than 29.5 and were not associated with virus culture. ddPCR was positive in 5.6% of negative specimens collected from COVID-19 confirmed or clinically suspected patients. CONCLUSIONS: Low Ct values in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests were associated with virus growth in cell culture. Symptomatic patients with prolonged viral RNA shedding can also be infectious.
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Repeat COVID-19 Molecular Testing: Correlation of SARS-CoV-2 Culture with Molecular Assays and Cycle Thresholds
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