<s>[INST] HOW IS COVID-19 DIAGNOSED? [/INST] COVID-19 is diagnosed by a laboratory test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular test, on a respiratory tract sample (e.g. sample from nose, throat or chest). This test detects the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material.   Source: NICD. Link: https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/disease-index-covid-19/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Infectious Disease. Disease: COVID </s>