Coronavirus testing comprises the laboratory and point-of-care methods used to detect coronavirus infection, identify those who are contagious and support surveillance and clinical decision-making. Testing falls broadly into molecular assays that detect viral genetic material, such as reverse-transcription polymeras…
Coronavirus testing comprises the laboratory and point-of-care methods used to detect coronavirus infection, identify those who are contagious and support surveillance and clinical decision-making. Testing falls broadly into molecular assays that detect viral genetic material, such as reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and antigen or antibody assays that detect viral proteins or the host immune response. For SARS-CoV-2, accurate and timely testing underpins case identification, isolation, contact tracing and the measurement of transmission in a population. Research relevant to testing includes comparative evaluation of commercial RT-PCR diagnostic assays, the use of laboratory parameters such as white-blood-cell and lymphocyte counts to characterise early disease, and the role of imaging findings in assessment. The performance of any test depends on analytical sensitivity and specificity, sampling quality, and the timing of testing relative to infection, all of which affect interpretation and the balance of false-positive and false-negative results. Testing strategy also intersects with molecular characterisation of circulating lineages, with prevalence studies in defined populations, and with the broader diagnostic workup of affected patients. Reliable testing is therefore foundational to outbreak control, enabling early detection, appropriate clinical management and the monitoring needed to guide public-health response.
12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 12 articles above have been cited 7 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Coronavirus Testing, linking to each citing work.