Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection: available tests and strategy in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, considerable improvement have been made in the technical aspects and in our understanding of diagnostic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The RT-PCR is still the cornerstone of diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection but the clinician should be aware of its imperfect sensibility in particular for mild or moderate COVID-19, and order a second test and/or a CT-scan if needed. Results of all tests should be interpreted taking into account the pretest probability of COVID-19, which depends on the local incidence of the disease and on the patient’s symptoms. New molecular testing approaches like multiplex PCR, the use of antigen test and serologic testing now complete the available diagnostic procedures.