Clinician guide to COVID-19 diagnostics

Introduction The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 has resulted in a worldwide pandemic. To curtail the ongoing pandemic, emphasis has been placed on enhanced testing. Consequently, there has been an exponential rise in the number of diagnostic platforms that are available. This review gives an overview of the diagnostic methods for COVID-19, highlighting key considerations needed when interpreting the test results. Physiological background The aims of SARS-CoV-2 testing are to (1) diagnose acute infection in symptomatic patients, (2) screen for and diagnose asymptomatic infection and (3) identify past infection. The detection assays used include nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), antigen-based tests and antibody (serological) tests. NAATs are aimed at identifying the presence of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) in a sample. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard NAAT used for the diagnosis of COVID-19. In RT-PCR, repeated, automated cycles of heating and...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Interpretations, COVID-19 Source Type: research