Table 1.

Detection of SARS CoV by conventional and real-time quantitative RT-PCR assays.

A. Conventional RT-PCR assay.
Days after onset	No. of samples	No. of positive samples in conventional RT-PCR
NPA
1–3	39	10
4–6	78	32
7–10	53	32
Stool
1–3	8	2
4–6	17	10
7–10	19	13

B. Conventional and real-time quantitative RT-PCR assays.
Days after onset	No. of samples	No. of positive samples
				Conventional RT-PCR	Quantitative RT-PCR
NPA1
1–3	32	10	16
4–6	35	9	11
7–10	31	14	16
Stool
1–3	6	2	4
4–6	15	10	12
7–10	16	10	10

¹The overall detection rate of the quantitative RT-PCR assay is statistically different from that of the conventional RT-PCR assay (McNemar test, P <0.01; 95% confidence interval, 4.2–16.2%).