Laboratory testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19

Rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis of active COVID-19 infection is one of the cornerstones of pandemic control. With the myriad of tests available in the market, the use of correct specimen type and laboratory-testing technique in the right clinical scenario could be challenging for non-specialists. In this mini-review, we will discuss the difference in diagnostic performance for different upper and lower respiratory tract specimens, and the role of blood and fecal specimens. We will analyze the performance characteristics of laboratory testing techniques of nucleic acid amplification tests, antigen detection tests, antibody detection tests, and point-of-care tests. Finally, the dynamics of viral replication and antibody production, and laboratory results interpretation in conjunction with clinical scenarios will be discussed. •Viral detection with nucleic acid amplification test of respiratory specimens is the gold standard for diagnosis of COVID-19.•Lower respiratory tract specimens remain the specimen type with the highest yield for recovery of SARS-CoV-2.•Antigen and antibody tests are not recommended as the sole diagnostic methods for detecting active SARS-CoV-2 infections.