Understandings and Prospects of Laboratory Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

In 2019, a novel betacoronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan. SARS-CoV-2 caused a severe form of pneumonias which is closely related to SARS-CoV-1. Detection of viral RNA by real-time reverse transcription polymerase reaction (real-time RT-PCR) is crucial for the management of the patients and prevention of the SARS-CoV-2. Until now real-time RT-PCR methods have been used as a successful diagnostic tool in this epidemic. Furthrmore, more rapid and reliable diagnostic tool might be needed for the next epidemic.