Use of Rapid Antibody Test in 3 patients with suspected Coronovirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) with 2 time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test negative: A case report

Abstract

Tests used to diagnose Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) disease; Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, Rapid Antibody Test (RAT) and Thorax Computed Tomography (CT) in patients with appropriate history, clinical and laboratory. The sensitivity of these tests changes during the course of the disease and it is difficult to diagnose if the appropriate test is not selected at the appropriate time. PCR test was applied to 3 cases who applied to our hospital and had findings suggesting COVID-19 in CT, and all tests were negative. Afterwards, 3 cases diagnosed with RAT and COVID-19 were treated appropriately. These 3 cases showed that PCR test negativity is not an adequate criterion to rule out the disease. Even if the PCR test is negative in patients with appropriate history and clinic, RAT and / or CT should be performed considering the time elapsed since the onset of the patient's symptoms.