Reporting of RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values during the first wave of COVID-19 in Qatar improved result interpretation in clinical and public health settings.

The cycle threshold (Ct) value in real-time PCR (RT-PCR) is where a target-specific amplification signal becomes detectable and can infer viral load, risk of transmission and recovery. Use of Ct values in routine practice is uncommon. There is a lack of routine use of Ct values when reporting RT-PCR results in routine practice.