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The World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic procedure for the detection of acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in individuals with clinical suspicion for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).1
NAAT=nucleic acid amplification test;
*WHO. Clinical management of COVID-19: Interim Guidance, 27 May 2020; Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/332196. Accessed July 2022;
**Depends on the sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test and on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the intended testing population;
*** Examples of continued clinical suspicion include the absence of another obvious aetiology, the presence of an epidemiological link or suggestive clinical finding (e.g., typical radiological signs);
**** The selection of specimen type will depend on the clinical presentation. Increasing the number of samples tested will also increase the sensitivity of testing for COVID-19. More than two samples might be needed on some occasions to detect SARS-CoV-2;
***** Serology cannot be used as a standalone diagnostic for acute SARS-CoV-2 infections and clinical management.
The three main assay types for detection of SARS-CoV-22–4
| Assay type | What it detects |
|---|---|
| NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) | Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) (i.e., current SARS-CoV-2 infection), typically using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based tests |
| Antigen test | Viral antigens (i.e., current SARS-CoV-2 infection) |
| Antibody test | Antibodies generated against SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., prior SARS-CoV-2 infection) |
Ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 through diagnostic tests from exposure to recovery
IgG: immunoglobulin G, PCR: polymerase chain reaction.
View the WHO treatment guidelines
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