Laboratory testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19

Christopher K C Lai; Wilson Lam

doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.069

Laboratory testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2021 Jan 29:538:226-230. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.069. Epub 2020 Oct 28.

Authors

Christopher K C Lai¹, Wilson Lam²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. Electronic address: chris.kclai@cuhk.edu.hk.
² Chiron Medical Group, 2/F Podium Plaza, Hanoi Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.

Abstract

Rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis of active COVID-19 infection is one of the cornerstones of pandemic control. With the myriad of tests available in the market, the use of correct specimen type and laboratory-testing technique in the right clinical scenario could be challenging for non-specialists. In this mini-review, we will discuss the difference in diagnostic performance for different upper and lower respiratory tract specimens, and the role of blood and fecal specimens. We will analyze the performance characteristics of laboratory testing techniques of nucleic acid amplification tests, antigen detection tests, antibody detection tests, and point-of-care tests. Finally, the dynamics of viral replication and antibody production, and laboratory results interpretation in conjunction with clinical scenarios will be discussed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Diagnosis; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

COVID-19 / diagnosis*
COVID-19 Testing / methods*
Humans
SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification*