Sample Collection and RNA Extraction

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 69 views

Evaluation of the Accuracy of the RNA Extraction Kit Method on SARS-COV-2 Examination in Medan City, North Sumatra Province

Introduction

Understanding the Importance of SARS-COV-2 Examination

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) is a virus that belongs to the Corona virus group from the genus Betacoronavirus, which is the cause of Covid-19 disease. This virus can infect humans and mammals, with varying symptoms, ranging from ordinary flu to very severe diseases. In this pandemic era, SARS-COV-2 examinations were carried out through various methods, including Rapid Test, Swab Antigen, and PCR Swab. Among these methods, the examination using the RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) is the most recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Role of RNA Extraction in RT-PCR Examination

The RNA extraction stage is a crucial step in the RT-PCR examination process. At present, the use of RNA extraction kits in various hospitals and laboratories that handle COVID-19 varies, including in Medan, North Sumatra Province. This study aims to determine the difference in the value of Cycle Threshold (CT) resulting from the same sample but uses different extraction kits, namely Bioteke, Maccura, and Intron. The sample was taken from the nasopharyngeal swab of the North Sumatra community at the Medan Disease Control Environmental Health Engineering Center, which was managed by the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Methodology

Sample Collection and RNA Extraction

The sample was taken from the nasopharyngeal swab of the North Sumatra community at the Medan Disease Control Environmental Health Engineering Center. The RNA extraction was performed using three different kits, namely Bioteke, Maccura, and Intron. The extracted RNA was then used for RT-PCR examination.

RT-PCR Examination

The RT-PCR examination was performed using the extracted RNA. The target genes used for examination were E gene, ORF1AB gene, and N gene. The Cycle Threshold (CT) value was used to determine the accuracy of the examination.

Results

CT Value Range for Each Target Gene

The results showed a difference in the range of CT values in several target genes. In the target E gene, the CT value ranges from 0 to 1.187, while in the target ORF1AB gene, the CT value range found is from 0 to 9,132. For the target N gene, the CT value ranges from 0 to 6,664.

Chi-Square Analysis

The results of the Chi-Square analysis show that there is no significant difference in the three-kit for the same sample. This means that the extraction kit used does not affect the end result of the patient's diagnosis, because the resulting diagnosis remains consistent in each kit.

Discussion

Implications of the Research

Further analysis of the importance of uniformity in COVID-19 testing can be seen from the implications of this research. With the results showing the consistency between various extraction kits, this provides additional confidence for health workers and laboratories in the field that they can choose the appropriate kit without worrying about significant differences in the diagnosis results. This is very important in the context of handling Pandemi Covid-19, where the accuracy and speed of diagnosis are the key to effective intervention.

Importance of Further Research

Overall, this research highlights the importance of further research in the evaluation of various COVID-19 testing methods, especially in the context of RNA extraction kit differences. This discovery can not only increase the confidence of medical personnel in carrying out diagnostic procedures, but can also contribute to the development of better public health policies in the area. With a better understanding of the accuracy of various methods, it is expected to create a more effective response in overcoming the spread of COVID-19.

Conclusion

Conclusion of the Study

In conclusion, this study aims to determine the difference in the value of Cycle Threshold (CT) resulting from the same sample but uses different extraction kits. The results showed a difference in the range of CT values in several target genes, but the Chi-Square analysis showed that there is no significant difference in the three-kit for the same sample. This means that the extraction kit used does not affect the end result of the patient's diagnosis, because the resulting diagnosis remains consistent in each kit.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that health workers and laboratories in the field can choose the appropriate kit without worrying about significant differences in the diagnosis results. Additionally, further research is needed to evaluate various COVID-19 testing methods, especially in the context of RNA extraction kit differences.

References

World Health Organization. (2020). COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). COVID-19.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). COVID-19.

Future Directions

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the importance of further research in the evaluation of various COVID-19 testing methods, especially in the context of RNA extraction kit differences. Future research should focus on evaluating the accuracy of various extraction kits and developing better public health policies in the area. With a better understanding of the accuracy of various methods, it is expected to create a more effective response in overcoming the spread of COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Evaluation of the Accuracy of the RNA Extraction Kit Method on SARS-COV-2 Examination in Medan City, North Sumatra Province

Q&A

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to determine the difference in the value of Cycle Threshold (CT) resulting from the same sample but uses different extraction kits, namely Bioteke, Maccura, and Intron.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides additional confidence for health workers and laboratories in the field that they can choose the appropriate kit without worrying about significant differences in the diagnosis results.

Q: What are the implications of this research?

A: The implications of this research are that it highlights the importance of further research in the evaluation of various COVID-19 testing methods, especially in the context of RNA extraction kit differences.

Q: What are the target genes used for examination in this study?

A: The target genes used for examination in this study are E gene, ORF1AB gene, and N gene.

Q: What is the Cycle Threshold (CT) value?

A: The Cycle Threshold (CT) value is a measure of the number of cycles required to detect a specific target gene.

Q: What is the significance of the CT value range in this study?

A: The CT value range is significant because it shows the difference in the range of CT values in several target genes.

Q: What is the result of the Chi-Square analysis in this study?

A: The result of the Chi-Square analysis shows that there is no significant difference in the three-kit for the same sample.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are that health workers and laboratories in the field can choose the appropriate kit without worrying about significant differences in the diagnosis results.

Q: What are the future directions of this research?

A: The future directions of this research are to evaluate the accuracy of various extraction kits and develop better public health policies in the area.

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-19

Q: What is COVID-19? A: COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus.
Q: How is COVID-19 transmitted? A: COVID-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces, and close contact with an infected person.
Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19? A: The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Q: How is COVID-19 diagnosed? A: COVID-19 is diagnosed through RT-PCR examination, rapid test, and clinical evaluation.

References

World Health Organization. (2020). COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). COVID-19.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). COVID-19.

Future Directions

Future Research Directions