Abstract
While molecular testing with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the gold-standard test for COVID-19 diagnosis and screening, more rapid or affordable molecular and antigen testing options have been developed. More affordable, point-of-care antigen testing, despite being less sensitive compared to molecular assays, might be preferable for wider screening initiatives. Simple laboratory, imaging and clinical parameters could facilitate prognostication and triage. This comprehensive review summarises current evidence on the diagnostic, screening and prognostic tests for COVID-19.
Highlights
Declared a pandemic in March 2019, COVID-19, which is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused significant global morbidity (>160 million cases) and mortality (>3.4 million deaths), and disruption to society and economies [1,2,3,4]
We address some of the key concerns regarding laboratory and radiological screening, diagnosis and prognostication that have arisen during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic [8]
A detailed description of the characteristics of the available screening and diagnostic assays and medical devices is beyond the scope of this manuscript and can be found in the Joint Research Centre of the European Medicines Agency/European Commission
Summary
Declared a pandemic in March 2019, COVID-19, which is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused significant global morbidity (>160 million cases) and mortality (>3.4 million deaths), and disruption to society and economies [1,2,3,4]. Screening and diagnostic strategies for COVID-19 have varied worldwide according to government policies, technology, funding, and data management capabilities. Uncertainties in strategy, regulatory hurdles and supply issues have disrupted testing capabilities, possibly contributing to worsening spread of SARS-CoV2. Standardisation and improvement of COVID-19 diagnostics, with more efficient detection and treatment of cases, is likely to be beneficial to both industrialised and low-income nations [5,6,7]. A detailed description of the characteristics of the available screening and diagnostic assays and medical devices is beyond the scope of this manuscript and can be found in the Joint Research Centre of the European Medicines Agency/European Commission (https://covid-19-diagnostics.jrc.ec.europa.eu/devices, accessed on 10 June 2021)
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