Document Type : Mini Review

Authors

• Surabhi Shukla ¹
• Suruchi Singh ²
• Namrata Khanna ³
• Tanushri Chatterji ⁴
• Upasana Yadav ⁵
• Reeta Maurya ⁶
• Sadanand Pandey ⁷

¹ Department of Microbiology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow- 226010, India

² Life Sciences, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Hiranandani Estate, Thane (W), Mumbai-400607, India

³ Department of Biochemistry, Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences, Babu Banarasi Das University, Faizabad Rd, Atif Vihar, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow–226028, India

⁴ Department of Microbiology, Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences, Babu Banarasi Das University, Faizabad Rd, Atif Vihar. Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow–226028, India

⁵ School of Applied Sciences, Amity University Lucknow Campus, Malhaur (Near Railway Station). Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow- 226028 (INDIA)

⁶ School of Applied Sciences, Amity University Lucknow Campus, Malhaur (Near Railway Station). Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow-226028, India

⁷ Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, Republic of Korea

Abstract

The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS Cov-2) as a pandemic has been a catastrophic clinical situation afflicting millions and affecting the socioeconomic scenario across the world. These unprecedented circumstances have evoked the need for an early and accurate diagnosis, followed by immediate and effective treatment of the disease. A reliable, rapid, and correct diagnosis is required to prevent transmission and for early patient management. False-negative results hasten the spread of the contagion, while false-positive results cause nonessential therapy and may result in unwarranted agony to the individual. Therefore, detection of the virus should be through accurate, rapid, and convenient diagnostic tests. Various immunological and nucleic acid amplification-testing kits are currently in use. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a promising technique for COVID-19 diagnosis, but it is not accessible at the primary hospital level. For accurate detection of the coronavirus, sample collection plays a crucial role. Usually, a nasopharyngeal swab is collected as a sample. However, in some instances, to confirm detection, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples may be obtained from the lower part of the respiratory tract. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of the specimen selection and laboratory techniques available for detecting SARS Cov-2 so that medical professionals can strategize the setting up of sophisticated and well-equipped diagnostic centers.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Lab diagnosis
• Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
• Immunological assay