Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (Aug 2020)

Laboratory diagnosis for Covid-19: A mini-review

  • Juliana Lemos Dal Pizzol,
  • Vanusa Pousada da Hora,
  • Ana Júlia Reis,
  • Júlia Vianna,
  • Ivy Ramis,
  • Andrea von Groll,
  • Pedro Almeida da Silva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0451-2020
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 53

Abstract

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Abstract Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic caused by a new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2. This disease was first identified in December 2019 and rapidly developed into a challenge to the public health systems around the world. In the absence of a vaccine and specific therapies, disease control and promotion of patient health are strongly dependent on a rapid and accurate diagnosis. This review describes the main laboratory approaches to making a diagnosis of COVID-19 and identifying those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.

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