COVID-19: Test, Test and Test.

Fatima A Saleh,Aleen Sleem

doi:10.3390/medsci9010001

Fatima A Saleh, Aleen Sleem

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci9010001

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Journal: Medical Sciences	Publication Date: Dec 30, 2020
Citations: 2	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Beirut Arab University

Abstract

A new virus was identified in late December 2019 when China reported the first cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, and a global COVID-19 pandemic followed. The world was not late to respond, with a number of sweeping measures ranging from social distancing protocols, stringent hygienic practices, and nation-wide lockdowns, as well as COVID-19 testing campaigns in an attempt to prevent the transmission of the disease and contain the pandemic. Currently, different types of diagnostic testing have been adopted globally, such as nucleic acid detection tests, immunological tests and imaging approaches; however, real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the “gold standard” for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pre-analytical factors, such as specimen selection and collection, are crucial for RT-PCR, and any suboptimal collection may contribute to false-negative results. Herein, we address some of the specimen types that have been used in molecular detection methods for COVID-19. However, the pandemic is still evolving, and information might change as more studies are conducted.

Highlights

To date, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a global threat that is yet to be contained
Among these, detecting the the SARS-CoV-2 genome targeted by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
Upper respiratory tract samples such as nasopharyngeal swabs have been recommended by several studies that examined the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 patients and are the most commonly used collection method worldwide

Summary

Introduction

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a global threat that is yet to be contained. As for COVID-19, while many countries are struggling to enforce public health recommendations despite individuals’ desire for autonomy and in-person communication, countries such as Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand have used the TTT approach as part of their strategy to control the pandemic for a longer period of time [5]. As shown, these countries have scored a positivity rate of less than 1%.

COVID-19

Sampling Methods

Findings

Conclusion