Before revision: We propose applications of sample pooling for RT-qPCR diagnostic to the epidemiologic study of COVID-19 . Taking into account the false negatives created by the dilution of individual samples, our arguments indicate that group testing allows for precise estimates of the prevalence of the disease in the population and early detection of epidemic outbreak in connected communities while saving tests for further massive testing of the population .
After revision: We propose applications of sample pooling for RT-qPCR diagnostic to the epidemiologic study of COVID-19 . Taking into account the false negatives created by the dilution of individual samples, our arguments indicate that group testing allows for precise estimates of the prevalence of the disease in the population and early detection of epidemic outbreak in relatively closed connected communities (e.g. care homes for the elderly) .