Journal of Blood Disorders & Transfusion

Abstract

Is a Real Time-Polymerase chain Reaction a Reliable Confirmatory Test for COVID-19?

Abdelmonem M Ali, Alfatih Aboalbasher Yousif, Ahmed O Abuelhassan, Ebtehal M fawzi, Sheima A Elbasheer and Nagia S Ahmed

Importance: Corona virus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19) is an unprecedented global health pandemic that occurs in the twentieth century, caused by a virus genra called SARS-CoV-2 which infects the lower respiratory system. Started in Wuhan city in Chine, then disease has spread worldwide until the WHO declared as pandemic disease. Recent View: The current pandemic SARS-CoV-2. Confuses the scientific and the medical community about which accurate diagnostic tool should be relied on to diagnosis COVID-19. RT-PCR is considered as a gold stander technique for COVID-19, however, there are a few viewpoints doubting underestimating its sensitivity and specificity. Here in the current narrative review, we have shed light on the both opinions and we have added our perspectives, as well. Critical concept: In spite of a little concern about the reliability of RT-PCR, up to date RT-PCR has been accredited as a fundamental diagnostic technique. Nevertheless, to eliminate this concern regarding the sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR; there are efforts from scientists to develop more molecular diagnostic technique; such as multiplex PCR. Future prospect: To reduce the variation on the RT-PCR result report, it would be better; if there is a universal guideline or protocol to be applied in this critical situation.

Published Date: 2020-10-27; Received Date: 2020-09-19