Accurate diagnostic tests that provide results in a timely manner are essential for the clinical and public health management of COVID-19 disease
The choice as to which test to use will depend on the clinical presentation and the stage of the illness
Nucleic acid tests, using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, are the most appropriate for diagnosing acute infection. Combined deep nasal (or nasopharyngeal) and throat swabs are the preferred sample
Serology can be used to diagnose previous infection, more than 14 days after the onset of symptoms
Antigen tests are in development and their role is not yet defined
Interpretation of results must take into account the pre-test probability of the patient having the disease. This is based on their clinical presentation and epidemiological risk
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Bowen Hills, Brisbane.
Aust Prescr. 2020 Dec 1; 43 (6): 204-208.
AbstractAccurate diagnostic tests that provide results in a timely manner are essential for the clinical and public health management of COVID-19 disease
The choice as to which test to use will depend on the clinical presentation and the stage of the illness
Nucleic acid tests, using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, are the most appropriate for diagnosing acute infection. Combined deep nasal (or nasopharyngeal) and throat swabs are the preferred sample
Serology can be used to diagnose previous infection, more than 14 days after the onset of symptoms
Antigen tests are in development and their role is not yet defined
Interpretation of results must take into account the pre-test probability of the patient having the disease. This is based on their clinical presentation and epidemiological risk(c) NPS MedicineWise.