Laboratory Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Dilemma of Choosing the Best Test

The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health problem that appeared in late 2019 through severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This perplexing virus has a high infection rate, and with no specific treatment, the mortality and morbidity rates are rapidly increasing. Moreover, the new virus variant, which is more contagious and has a higher mortality rate than previous variants, has been detected in the United Kingdom. There are few vaccines at clinical stages. However, the distancing, track, and trace will stay with us for at least the next few years. Hence, detecting symptomatic and asymptomatic patients through accurate detective tests such as molecular and serological assays and quarantine is the only preventive method that can be used for controlling the pandemic. It is essential to use highly accurate tests to decrease the number of false negative and false positive results. This research aimed to highlight and critically assess the specificity and sensitivity of coronavirus tests available for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Currently, this is a multibillion-dollar industry, and many tests enter the clinical setting without having fully been validated.