Review of the Diagnostic techniques for COVID-۱۹

Background and Aim : Coronaviruses are important viral pathogens that most commonly cause respiratory and gastrointestinal complications in humans and animals. Due to the high-speed spreading of COVID-۱۹, the diagnostic methods are very important for screening and controlling the virus and managing patients. Different methods around the world are used for identification and confirmation of infected patients with COVID-۱۹. This article reviews the different methods used for the diagnosis of this virus since the beginning of the outbreak.Methods : A comprehensive search was conducted using the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The keywords coronavirus, COVID-۱۹, SARS-CoV-۲, RT-PCR, CT scan, molecular tests and serology tests were used to identify diagnostic methods articles of COVID-۱۹.Results : Since the beginning of the pandemic, various methods have been used with different efficiencies for screening and final identification of cases. But given that most of these methods have advantages and disadvantages, using just one method doesn't seem reasonable for this aim. The diagnostic protocols vary according to economic conditions and the severity of epidemics in different countries. Currently, methods such as CT scans for screening and RT-PCR for final confirmation of infected cases have been approved. However, because these methods are not widely available everywhere, the performing of simpler methods with reliable efficiency can be used in countries with more limited facilities.Conclusion : Molecular and serological diagnostic techniques plays a critical role in identifying and isolating patients. Recently, with the pandemics of the COVID-۱۹, the design and application of methods with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness should have priority for healthcare providers worldwide for rapid detection, preventing the spread of the pandemic disease, and acceleration of treatment.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , SARS-CoV-۲ , Molecular test , serological test , laboratory