RNAlater (Invitrogen)-preserved autopsy tissues were homogenized and processed as previously described (6 (link)). Total RNA was extracted using RNeasy Mini, RNeasy Fibrous Tissue Mini, and RNeasy Lipid Tissue Mini Kits (Qiagen). The QX200 AutoDG Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) System (Bio-Rad) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA using the SARS-CoV-2 ddPCR Kit (Bio-Rad) (6 (link)). For samples to be considered positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid 1 (N1) or 2 (N2) genes, the manufacturer’s limit of detection of >/= 0.1 copies/µl final ddPCR reaction and 2 positive droplets per well was required.
Free full text: Click here