Limit of detection (LoD), inter-run variability and cross-reactivity with other respiratory pathogens were determined. In-vitro transcribed RNA (IVT RNA) of the E gene of SARS-CoV-2 and purified RNA of SARS-CoV (strain Frankfurt-1) were used as positive controls (obtained via the European virus archive global (EVAg), https://www.european-virus-archive.com) [7]. Limit of detection of the SARS-CoV-2 UCT was determined by analysing each of eight replicates of a dilution series containing IVT RNA diluted in E-swab medium (Copan, Brescia, Italy; modified liquid Amies medium) and Roche cobas PCR medium (1:1) at 10,000, 1,000, 500, 250 and 125 copies/mL and eight negative samples. The LoD was 689.3 copies/mL with 275.72 copies per reaction at 95% detection probability (Figure 1, Figure 2). For estimation of inter/intra-run variability, we analysed each of two concentrations (ca 5 × and 10 × LoD spiked IVT SARS-CoV-2 RNA) in five replicates and a negative sample with five replicates in two runs each. Minimal deviation was observed with ± 0.5 cycle threshold (Ct) at 10 × LoD and 0.75 Ct at 5 × LoD. No false positive results occurred.