Protocol for the creation and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 variant testing panels using remnant clinical samples for diagnostic assay testing

The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Alpha variant in 2020 demonstrated the need for reanalysis of diagnostic tests to ensure detection of emerging variants. Here, we present a protocol for creating and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 variant testing panels using remnant clinical samples for diagnostic assay testing. We describe steps for characterizing SARS-CoV-2 remnant clinical samples and preparing them into pools and their use in preparing varying quantities of virus. We then detail procedures for verifying variant detection using the resulting sample panel.