Detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR test: factors influencing interpretation of results

Abstract

In this current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), prompt interventions in terms of early detection and clinical management along with isolation of positive cases is of utmost importance. This helps to limit not only the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections but also the morbidity and mortality associated with it. Different strategies for screening of COVID-19 in containment zones and non-containment areas include testing of symptomatic patients and their contacts in fever clinics, hospital-based testing, testing on demand and population-based screening. The choice of tests like reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), rapid antigen testing (RAT) or antibody test depends upon these strategies and also the turnaround time. Currently, RT-PCR is considered the gold standard for COVID-19 detection. This commentary provides the insights and experiences on COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR. The utility of this test is limited by several false positive, false negative and inconclusive results at early stages of infection, scarcity of reagents and lack of well-equipped labs including trained staff. Moreover, appropriate sample collection and transport, standard laboratory protocols, stringent quality control norms, good quality RNA extraction kits, PCR kits with suitable primers can help in improving accuracy of the test results. A careful assessment of clinical, radiological and molecular findings is required for identifying potential cases of COVID-19.

Molecular Fingerprinting of the Omicron Variant Genome of SARS-CoV-2 by SERS Spectroscopy

“…Generally, early diagnosis of viral infections unveils as crucial for both limiting pandemic development and providing effective treatments. The current tests based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) [2][3][4][5] are highly reliable, but require long times for processing, expensive equipment, and expert personnel. Moreover, these assays are able to detect virus variants, but do not distinguish them, consequently requiring their sequencing with expensive and even very time-consuming methods as well [6][7][8].…”

Miniaturized Real-Time PCR systems for SARS-CoV-2 detection at the Point-of-Care

“…Samples should be harvested in a viral transport medium (VTM), kept at 2-8 °C up to 72 hours after collection, and transferred to the laboratory. Improper storage and uncontrolled movements are one of the most common causes of false negative or invalid results [4] . Moreover, if the test is not sufficiently sensitive, a low viral load could mislead clinicians and patients, and thus promoting the spread of the disease extensively.…”

Evaluating diagnostic accuracies of Panbio™ COVID-19 rapid antigen test and RT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia using Bayesian Latent-Class Models (BLCM)

“…Alternative testing modalities have become convenient approaches to reach more clients and a step forward to empower individuals by bringing healthcare services closer to them. In view of this, rapid antigen tests have been in place as an option with their comparable diagnostic performance [9][10][11].…”