Chen‑Lun Chua, Tai‑Yin Wub,c,d,e, Sheng‑Mou Houa, Kao‑Shang Shiha,f, Yo‑Lun Chua,f,g, Cheng‑Kuang Chena,g, Li‑Wei Hunga,f, Hao‑Wei Hsua,g, Chen‑Kun Liawa*
aDepartment of Orthopedics, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, bDepartment of Family Medicine, Zhongxing Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, cInstitute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, dDepartment of Social and Public Affairs, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan, eDepartment of Health and Welfare, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan, fSchool of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan, gDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Abstract
Objectives: Pooling can reduce reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) tests during the coronavirus disease‑19 (COVID‑19) pandemic. Pooling strategy is a complex issue. Recent advances in computer science may provide a better strategy. Materials and Methods: We developed our algorithm which can help healthcare workers set up their pooling policy during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Results: Comparing with three other strategies, naming single pooling, array pooling, and hypercube pooling, our multiple pooling shows to be the best with minimal RT‑PCR tests per patient. Conclusion: We hope clinicians in COVID‑19 pandemic regions can use our algorithm to reduce both RT‑PCR tests and time and hence save more lives.
Keywords: Coronavirus disease‑19, Efficient pooling polymerase chain reaction, Multiple pooling polymerase chain reaction
