Laboratory Diagnostic Phases of Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) has caused global health concerns in the various strata of health‑care authorities. The detection of the etiologic agent, SARS‑CoV‑2 became essential for case identification and prevention of transmission. In this review, literature was retrieved and sifted from different search engines. We highlighted some mainstream pointers vis‑à‑vis preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of laboratory detection of SARS‑CoV‑2 using real‑time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) assay. The quantitative RT‑PCR is considered as the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis of COVID‑19. However, laboratories must pay attention to all the testing phases from sample collection to final release of results in order to avoid false‑negative or false‑positive results. It is also necessary to understand possible challenges and conduct risk assessment before the commencement of testing in the designated laboratory.