Screening, Diagnostic and Prognostic Tests for COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

While molecular testing with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the gold-standard test for COVID-19 diagnosis and screening, more rapid or affordable molecular and antigen testing options have been developed. More affordable, point-of-care antigen testing, despite being less sensitive compared to molecular assays, might be preferable for wider screening initiatives. Simple laboratory, imaging and clinical parameters could facilitate prognostication and triage. This comprehensive review summarises current evidence on the diagnostic, screening and prognostic tests for COVID-19.

Clinical and Radiological Deterioration in a Case of Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Hints to Accelerated Age-Dependent Neurodegeneration

“…An increasing body of evidence indicates that infection with SARS-CoV-2 can affect the CNS and can induce a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric syndromes, either by rare direct invasion or, more often, by secondary immune-mediated mechanisms [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. However, less is known about the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on neurodegenerative diseases, including CJD, and on the underlying neuropathological alterations.…”

“…Besides the respiratory manifestations, a range of neurological complications associated with a SARS-CoV-2 infection, including headache, anosmia, seizures, encephalopathy, meningitis/encephalitis, myelitis, and stroke, are being increasingly reported [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based diagnostic tests from nasopharyngeal, nasal, or oropharyngeal specimens are considered the gold standard for the detection of the current SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 14 ]. Antigen and antibody-based diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection are less sensitive compared with the PCR-based assays [ 14 ].…”

“…Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based diagnostic tests from nasopharyngeal, nasal, or oropharyngeal specimens are considered the gold standard for the detection of the current SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 14 ]. Antigen and antibody-based diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection are less sensitive compared with the PCR-based assays [ 14 ]. Treatment approaches include the administration of antiviral drugs (e.g., remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine), anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody products (e.g., anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma), steroids, and antithrombotic therapy [ 9 ].…”

The Role of Different Inflammatory Indices in the Diagnosis of COVID-19

“… 10 Therefore, the platelet count and coagulation profile should be considered in managing patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. 11 …”

Monoclonal Antibodies against Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Variants for Detection of COVID-19

“…However, this technique requires an appropriate laboratory facility and experienced staff, making the method less available to many healthcare facilities, especially those in low-and middle-income countries. For this reason, less expensive, portable, easy, and fast screening tools with reliable results, such as antibody-based LFIA strips, are worthy of development [32].…”