Journal
EXPERT REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
Volume 15, Issue 8, Pages 993-1002Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1917389
Keywords
COVID-19; false-negative; false-positive; management; respiratory; vaccination
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic assays is crucial in minimizing falsely tested cases, with factors such as clinical characteristics and vaccination impacting existing diagnostic assays. Future research in evaluating lung tissue innate immune responses holds promise in optimizing testing accuracy for SARS-CoV-2 and future infections.
Introduction: A novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported via nucleic acid identification in December, 2019. Accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic assays has emerged as a major barrier to COVID-19 diagnosis, particularly in cases requiring urgent or emergent treatment. Areas covered: In this review, we explore the major reasons for false-positive and false-negative SARS-CoV-2 test results. How clinical characteristics, specific respiratory comorbidities and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination impact on existing diagnostic assays are highlighted. Different COVID-19 management algorithms based on each test and limitations are thoroughly presented. Expert opinion: The diagnostic accuracy and the capacity of every available assay, which need to be interpreted in the light of the background incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the communities in which they are used, are essential in order to minimize the number of falsely tested cases. Automated testing platforms may enhance diagnostic accuracy by minimizing the potential for human error in assays' performance. Prior immunization against SARS-CoV-2 impairs the utility of serologic testing of suspected COVID-19 cases. Future avenues of research to evaluate lung tissue innate immune responses hold promise as a target for research to optimize SARS-CoV-2 and future infections' testing accuracy.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available