Sars-cov-2 PCR is a cornerstone of COVID-19 clinical diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance. Viral shedding in COVID-19, as measured by isolation of infectious virus, is most prominent around symptom onset. Sars-cov-2 PCR, however, may stay positive for months and thereby does not reflect infectiousness. PCR tests are both specific and sensitive but the performance in clinical diagnostics depends on sampling technique, sample material and disease stage. Self-sampling in individuals with mild symptoms aims rather to assess infectiousness and a lower sensitivity of the test can be accepted. False positive tests are a global problem and may have serious consequences for both the tested individuals and society. Awareness of contamination risks and continuous quality assurance is vital in all laboratories to ensure test reliability. Rapid, less sensitive sars-cov-2 antigen tests are potential new tools in infection control.
[Future testing for SARS-CoV-2: not only more but smarter].