Table 2 Diagnostic tests available in Italy to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection
From: Transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: nothing noble is accomplished without danger
Method | Type of specimen required | Time required for assay | Advantages | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction | Respiratory and non-respiratory tract specimens | 5–8 h | Gold standard for the etiological diagnosis; high sensitivity and specificity; high safety | Complex protocol; overcoming of the throughput capacities of the laboratories with diagnostic delays; not suitable for decentralized point-of-care |
Direct amplification real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Diasorin Simplexa™ | Nasopharyngeal swabs | 1 h | High sensitivity and specificity; simple protocol with all in one reagent; rapid response; high safety; suitable for decentralized point-of-care | For emergency use authorization only; Limited literature data; Limited to laboratories certified to perform high complexity tests |
Solid phase immuno-chromatographic assay for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. | Whole blood, serum or plasma | 5–15 min | No equipment needed; rapid response; suitable for decentralized point-of-care; good sensitivity and specificity; suitable for identifying asymptomatic patients and for screening | Not recommended as first line test for the diagnosis of acute viral infection; prone to ‘cross reactivity’; few reports about serological assay in detection of SARS-CoV-2; uncertain timing of antibodies development |