Optimization and adaptation of the diagnostic capacity for the performance of large volumes of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR.

INTRODUCTION In the present manuscript we describe the planning carried out in our hospital to adapt our diagnostic capability to perform large numbers of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. METHODS The analysis and prediction of workflow included the number of RT-PCR per week from the beginning of the pandemic, with a total of 31971 determinations. The planning phase was developed based on the different scenarios previously predicted. RESULTS According to the predictions obtained, an automated custom solution was chosen, based on the use of the OT-2 open-source liquid-handling robots (Opentrons), to design a reproducible workflow that achieved a production capacity of 5640 samples/day, with a time of response of four hours per procedure. CONCLUSIONS The analysis and prediction of workflow, along with the use of the robotic platforms OT-2, provided a robust structure to deal with the high demand of determinations that this pandemic requires.