Background: Pooled real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 screening is cost- and labor-saving, but data during the Omicron wave are lacking.

Objective: To examine a correlation between pooled rRT-PCR as a screening method for SARS-CoV-2 and community COVID-19 incidence.

Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively collected data on pooled rRT-PCR testing as a COVID-19 screening strategy between February 1 and April 30, 2022 in the present study center.

Results: In comparison to performing single rRT-PCR testing, pooled rRT-PCR testing strategy reduced the numbers of rRT-PCR testing by 73.36%, 53.63%, and 54.7% in February, March, and April, respectively. The community COVID-19 incidence rate per day (CCIR) averaged 25.43, 48.12, and 80.96 per 100,000 population per day during February, March, and April, respectively.

Conclusion: Small pooled rRT-PCR testing of up to five samples may be a cost-effective screening strategy among selected populations despite high CCIR during the Omicron wave.

Keywords: Pooled rRT-PCR; Screening

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2023.10.13844

Received 19 May 2023 | Revised 5 September 2023 | Accepted 6 September 2023