SARS-CoV-2 surveillance by RT-qPCR-based pool testing of saliva swabs (lollipop method) at primary and special schools-A pilot study on feasibility and acceptability.
Anika KästnerPetra LückerMartina SombetzkiManja EhmkeNicole KoslowskiSwantje MittmannArne HannichAntje SchwarzKristian MeinckLena SchmeyersKatrin SchmidtEmil C ReisingerWolfgang U HoffmannPublished in: PloS one (2022)
In school settings in particular, a high acceptability of the test method is crucial for a successful SARS-CoV-2 surveillance strategy. All respondents clearly preferred the saliva swab method, which can be used safely without complications in children six years of age and older. Hurdles and suggestions for improvement of an area-wide implementation were outlined.