COVID-19: Clinical laboratory diagnosis and monitoring of novel coronavirus infected patients using molecular, serological and biochemical markers: A review

Abstract

COVID-19, a novel coronavirus disease, has provoked a variety of health and safety concerns, and socioeconomic challenges around the globe. The laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 was quickly established utilizing nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT) after the disease causing virus has been identified, and its genetic sequence has been determined. In addition to NAAT, serological tests based on antibodies testing against SARS-CoV-2 were introduced for diagnostic and epidemiologic studies. Other biochemical investigations include monitoring of peripheral blood cells count, platelets/lymphocyte ratio, coagulation profile, cardiac, and inflammatory markers such as cytokines storm are also crucial in combating COVID-19 pandemic. Further, accurate and reliable laboratory results for SARS-CoV-2 play very important role in the initiation of early treatment and timely management of COVID-19 patients, provide support in clinical decision-making process to control infection, and detection of asymptomatic cases. The Task Force on Coronavirus-19 constituted by International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) has recognized informational framework for epidemiology, pathogenesis, and recommended the PCR-based analysis, serological and biochemical assays for analysis, monitoring, and management of disease. This literature review provides an overview of the currently used diagnostic techniques in clinical laboratories for the diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and management of COVID-19 patients. We concluded that each assays differ in their performance characteristics and the utilization of multiple techniques is necessary for the accurate diagnosis and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Radiological and Biochemical Findings of COVID-19

“…Biochemical findings vary in patients different clinical forms (19). Therefore, biochemical parameters help diagnose the disease, determine the severity of the disease and predict clinical outcomes (20). SARS-CoV-2 can be present in many tissues, including the endothelium, liver, and kidney (21).…”

“…It can also progress with multiorgan involvement. Among the biochemical parameters, those showing organ damage play a critical role (20). Biomarkers, according to the systems and situations in which they are used, are reviewed in the following section.…”

“…Therefore, monitoring creatinine and other renal markers is crucial. In addition to serum and urine albumin, total protein may be beneficial as a prognostic marker in COVID-19 (20).…”

“…Yıldız Sevgi and Atasoy Tahtasakal. Radiological and Biochemical Findings of COVID-19Cam and Sakura Med J 2022;2(Suppl 1):[14][15][16][17][18][19][20] …”

Dysregulated lipids in plasma and erythrocytes of COVID-19 patients and association with mental health

“…Patients suffering from the general symptoms of COVID-19 infection, including fever, chest pain with respiratory complaints, and general fatigue, were immediately subjected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The nasopharyngeal swab sample was collected from the COVID-19 candidate and exposed to the PCR testing method because of its high specificity and sensitivity 20 . This study included only the hospitalized patients clinically diagnosed and categorized as having moderate and severe COVID-19 infection in compliance with the international guidelines of COVID-19 case severity 21 .…”