Diagnostics Analytical science, Screening and monitoring, Technology and innovation

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2

By tracking virus levels in wastewater, experts can identify areas where COVID-19 is more prevalent

02/04/2021 | Quick Read

Population testing for COVID-19 can be costly and logistically difficult – but it is also crucial to understanding the spread of the disease. To use diagnostic resources more efficiently, the industry has turned to innovative methods – such as wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) – to understand where infections are occurring even before symptoms appear.

WBE involves pinpointing areas where SARS-CoV-2 is heavily prevalent by measuring viral RNA shed into wastewater through the feces of infected individuals. Epidemiologists use methods such as RT-PCR or ddPCR to test wastewater samples for the presence of viral RNA – but, because samples are diluted, methods must be highly sensitive. A recent case study showed that ddPCR could detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA between levels of 10¹ to 10⁴ copies/100 mL (1). New approaches like WBE could help us conserve diagnostic resources, improve public health measures, and better understand COVID-19.

Email*

Choose a password

I have read and understand the Privacy Notice *

Stay up to date with our other newsletters and sponsors information, tailored specifically to the fields you are interested in

I want to stay up to date with the Infectious Diseases field I want to stay up to date with the Pathologist Educator field

When you click “Subscribe” we will email you a link, which you must click to verify the email address above and activate your subscription. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at [email protected].
If you wish to unsubscribe, you can update your preferences at any point.