Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the quality control of nucleic acid detection

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2022 Feb 5:591:137-142. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.094. Epub 2021 Jan 1.

Abstract

The new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) epidemic spread rapidly throughout the world. Considering the strong infectivity and clustering of COVID-19, early detection of infectious cases is of great significance to control the epidemic. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) plays an important role in rapid laboratory diagnosis, treatment assessment, epidemic prevention and control of COVID-19. However, since COVID-19 is caused by a new emerging virus and NAT for COVID-19 has not been clinically applied before, false negative results inconsistent with clinical diagnosis have appeared in clinical practice. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the sensitivity of NAT for COVID-19. This study aimed to summarize the current situation and prospect of NAT based on the latest findings on COVID-19 infection. Also, the quality control of sample collection was discussed. Hopefully, this study could help to improve the effectiveness of NAT for COVID-19.

Keywords: Novel coronavirus; Nucleic acid detection technology; Pathogenesis; Quality control; Result interpretation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • COVID-19 Testing / methods*
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods
  • Genome, Viral / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Nucleic Acids / genetics*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Quality Control
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Virulence / genetics

Substances

  • Nucleic Acids