Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
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A novel coronavirus was recently identified as the aetiological agent of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Molecular assays currently available for detection of SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) have low sensitivity during the early stage of the illness. ⋯ By optimizing RNA extraction methods and applying quantitative real time RT-PCR technologies, the sensitivity of tests for early diagnosis of SARS can be greatly enhanced.