The COVID-19 Diagnostic Dilemma: a Clinician's Perspective

Ralph Rogers; Thomas O'Brien; Jad Aridi; Curt G Beckwith

doi:10.1128/JCM.01287-20

The COVID-19 Diagnostic Dilemma: a Clinician's Perspective

J Clin Microbiol. 2020 Jul 23;58(8):e01287-20. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01287-20. Print 2020 Jul 23.

Authors

Ralph Rogers¹, Thomas O'Brien², Jad Aridi², Curt G Beckwith²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA [email protected].
² Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Abstract

In this commentary, we provide a broad overview of how the rapidly evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnostic landscape has impacted clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We review aspects of both molecular and serologic testing and discuss the logistical challenges faced with each. We also highlight the progress that has been made in the development and implementation of these assays as well as the need for ongoing improvement in diagnostic testing capabilities.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; molecular diagnostics; serologic testing.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Betacoronavirus / genetics
Betacoronavirus / immunology
Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification*
COVID-19
COVID-19 Testing
Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods*
Clinical Laboratory Techniques / trends
Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods
Diagnostic Tests, Routine / trends
Humans
Pandemics
Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
SARS-CoV-2