What tests are done by the lab to diagnose CoVID-19?

What tests are done by the lab to diagnose CoVID-19?

April 28, 2020

One of the most common questions asked about the Coronavirus is what tests the lab have to diagnose it.

Diagnosis of CoVID-19 is based on two principles, one is clinical observation by physicians with clinical examination and observation of CT results, and the other is laboratory tests.

Diagnosis of CoVID-19 is based on laboratory tests, mainly on rRT-PCR-based tests, which should be sufficiently specific and sensitive to the differentiation of other viral viruses with clinical signs and manifestations of CoVID-19.

Patients with CoVID-19 have a number of laboratory changes in their blood parameters. However, these changes are by no means a confirmation or refusal to treat CoVID-19, and the use of these routine tests to screen for patient with CoVID-19 has been strongly denied by medical centers and Health authorities.

These laboratory parameters’ changes, for example, include leukopenia and lymphopenia, which have been reported in blood cell counts (CBCs), although the most common changes is lymphopenia (about 80% of cases), increased serum levels of LDH and D-dimer (about 40%) also reported. The patient with CoVID-19 are either positive for CRP testing (about 60% of cases) or decreased serum albumin levels, in which it has been reported that these changes can help monitor patients’ progress.

In addition, according to the diagnostic authorities, some of these blood parameters can be considered as baseline in CoVID-19 patients, which include D-dimer, PT, PTT, fibrinogen, ferritin, LDH, troponin, CPK and blood cell count (CBC).

In molecular experiments which is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as screening tests for CoVID-19, the specific targets and locations of the virus genome is examined, including (Orf) Open reading frame, Envelop genes and viral Nucleocapsid genes, or RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

The Standard sample that is recommended to use in diagnoseing for SARS-CoV-2 is from the upper respiratory tract (nasal-pharyngeal and oral-pharyngeal swabs) and, if possible, the lower respiratory tract (sputum, chip aspiration, or bronchoalveolar lavage).

Medical Diagnostic center that works by molecular technique such as sequencing or PCR testing requires BSL-2 level protection or equivalent. A specialized molecular test must be performed by a qualified laboratory approved by the competent authorities, and the result of a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 confirms the diagnosis of CoVID-19.

In areas where CoVID-19 is reported, if the initial test is negative but there is still suspicion of CoVID-19, the World Health Organization recommends re-sampling and testing from several parts of the respiratory tract. Here are some of the most important factors that can lead to a negative result in an infected person:

  • Low quality or low sample size. To check the quality of nucleic acid, it is recommended that a human gene be tested simultaneously as a control on the sample.
  • Collect samples very early or too late in the course of the disease
  • Improper storage or transportation of samples
  • Technical reasons such as viral mutations or PCR inhibitors

Payvand Clinical & Specialty Laboratory has obtained a license to perform a molecular test for CoVID-19 by passing the necessary approvals from the competent authorities; including the Vice Chancellor for Treatment of the University and the Laboratory Affairs Department of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and the Health Reference Laboratory. Aldo Payvand Lab become a member of the diagnostic chain of the new Corona Virus Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (CoVID-19) in Iran. This test can be performed on a daily basis and all steps can be performed according to the latest national and international guidelines with the best level of accuracy and speed.

For more information, please call us at 021-71400004.

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