Diagnostic Testing of COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplantation: Current Clinical Application and Future Strategies

AbstractPurpose of ReviewWhile a great deal of literature has been published recently on the viral kinetics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and diagnostic testing performance for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the general population, a relative paucity of information has come to light regarding implications of COVID-19 diagnostics for solid organ transplantation. This review examines the current state of knowledge regarding the two principal diagnostic testing strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) –based testing and serology, and discusses COVID-19 diagnostic implications for solid organ transplantation.Recent FindingsThe interpretation of diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 infection can present several challenges and raises questions regarding optimal donor and candidate screening as well as infection prevention practices in solid organ transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Guidance from several societies regarding donor and recipient suitability for transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic is reviewed. Prolonged positive testing by polymerase chain reaction has been described in transplant recipients which may impact infection prevention practices.SummaryThe COVID-19 pandemic has put multiple aspects of solid organ transplantation at risk, with impacts on donor and recipient suitability, and mitigation of infection and transmission after transplantation. Accumulating evidence regarding...
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research