Rational and effective use of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics

ABSTRACT

The sensitive and specific detection of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 is the basis of all infection control management. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the discussion has primarily focused on the availability of diagnostic options, then on correct material collection and effective handling of the scarce test resource, and finally on the value of individual procedures and the use of rapid test methods. The following overview attempts to summarize in a compact form the current state of knowledge on the rational and effective working with laboratory diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 infections using predominantly scientific review articles.