Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
05:34
Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Diagnostics with Standardized LAMP
Published on: September 8, 2023
736
Testing for SARS-CoV-2: lessons learned and current use cases
Elitza S Theel1, James E Kirby2,3, Nira R Pollock3,4
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|March 15, 2024
Summary
This review examines SARS-CoV-2 testing technologies, including antigen, nucleic acid amplification, and immunologic tests. It assesses their performance and use cases to guide future diagnostic strategies for the ongoing circulation of the virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Technologies
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid development and scaled deployment of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests.
- Technological advancements enabled decentralized testing, moving diagnostics from labs to point-of-care and home settings.
- Despite the end of the public health emergency, SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate globally, requiring ongoing assessment of testing strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of current SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing technologies.
- To evaluate the analytical and clinical performance characteristics of antigen, nucleic acid amplification, and immunologic tests.
- To inform current discussions on the appropriate use cases and future application of these diagnostic tools.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature and evidence on SARS-CoV-2 testing methodologies.
- Analysis of performance data, including sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for different test types.
- Assessment of the advantages and limitations of each testing modality in various clinical and public health scenarios.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), and immunologic assays.
- Comparison of test performance characteristics based on the latest available data.
- Identification of optimal use cases for each test type, considering factors like speed, accessibility, and accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Current SARS-CoV-2 testing technologies offer diverse options for different scenarios.
- Understanding the specific performance and limitations of antigen, NAAT, and immunologic tests is crucial for effective deployment.
- Informed decision-making regarding SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies is essential for managing ongoing viral circulation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Coronavirus
Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...