Diagnostic Testing for Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly spread worldwide and infected multiple age groups. The best way to reduce the risk of spreading new coronavirus (coronavirus disease 19, COVID-19) is the rapid and accurate identification of carriers and infected patients in society. Although several diagnostic tests are available, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing is commonly used for this purpose. In this review, various methods were introduced for the identification of COVID-19 patients using clinical manifestations, gastrointestinal symptoms, and molecular and serological diagnostic techniques. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic tests, including molecular and serological tests, were evaluated to identify the novel coronavirus.