ABSTRACT
Rapid diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected patients is urgent in making decisions on public health measures. There are different types of diagnostic tests, such as quantitative PCR assay, antibody, and antigen-based and CRISPR-based tests, which detect genetic materials, viral proteins, or human antibodies in clinical samples. However, the proper test should be highly sensitive, quick, and affordable to address this life-threatening situation. This review article highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each test and compares its different features, such as sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection to reach a reliable conclusion. Moreover, the FDA- authorized kits and studies' approaches toward these have been compared to provide a better perspective to the researchers.Copyright © 2022 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
A panel of stroke experts from the Gulf and Iran region convened a consensus meeting to discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected stroke care in the region. Lower stroke admissions were observed locally, but acute stroke care has largely been maintained in their centres despite the challenges of staff and resource shortages, and public fear of the virus. This article provides a snapshot of the pandemic in the region, its impact on local stroke care, highlights the approaches and practices shared between panellists in order to protect stroke care pathways during this uncertain period, and provides a guideline that is simple and easily adaptable to different locations. The intent is to protect stroke care pathways through Covid-19 risk stratification, infection control measures, and ensuring that all stroke patients have a full Covid-19 diagnostic assessment. Opportunities for increasing the use of telemedicine to reduce physical contact between patients and healthcare workers is also discussed.