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Laboratory diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 at Strakonice Hospital in 2020/21
SOKOLOVÁ, Eliška
In December 2019, a new type of beta-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in China causing COVID-19. The gold standard of laboratory diagnostics is real-time RT-PCR. Antigen testing is another alternative for the direct detection of SARS-CoV-2. From January to February 2021, the reliability of antigen tests from Abbott was verified by real-time RT-PCR. Out of the 48 antigen-positive samples, only one patient was tested PCR negative. At the same time, 80 consecutive samples from symptomatic patients at Nemocnice Strakonice, a.s. were examined by PCR, which were tested negative by the antigen tests. Among these samples, 16 were tested PCR positive. The statistics of PCR tests performed in the Central Laboratories of the Nemocnice Strakonice, a.s. in 2020/21 was elaborated. During this period, 78,222 samples were examined, of which 17,622 had a positive result. The most critical pandemic period was considered spring 2021, when all samples' positivity amounted to 45,8 %. An interesting fact was the high level of positivity in the category 60+. Contrary to the spring wave in 2021 - in autumn 2021, a high positivity was appeared in the category of children under 15 years old, who had been tested minimally until that time. Real-time RT-PCR is a time-consuming and costly method, which requires a qualified laboratory staff. On the contrary, antigen tests are a quick and easy alternative to direct detecting SARS-CoV-2. In the POCT mode, high-quality antigen tests are a reliable alternative, primarily for symptomatic individuals. Nevertheless, it is advised to confirm negative antigen results using PCR to prevent a false-negative antigen reaction.
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Methods for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 virus
HELMICHOVÁ, Eva
This bachelor thesis deals with the study of SARS-CoV-2 virus diagnostics. It is an RNA coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It was discovered in late 2019 in China and then the disease spread around the world. This disease is manifested by severe cough, loss of taste and smell. In worse cases, it manifests as pneumonia.Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus is performed using PCR assays, antigenic assays, and antibody assays. Examination with antigenic tests is intended for rapid screening for the presence of the virus. The test for the detection of antibodies is suitable for verifying the disease, or we find out the effectiveness of vaccination and resistance to it. These samples are obtained by swabbing the nasopharynx, mouth from saliva or blood. Sampling should be correct and thorough for SARS-CoV-2 virus analysis.The PCR method is considered to be the most reliable method for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 virus. The method allows us to detect the virus on the basis of known sequences and, using suitable primers, the individual variants of the viruses are distinguished. Morphology, diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 virus and PCR methodology with precise primer design for SARS-CoV-2 detection are presented in this work. Using software a comparison of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in a given mutated region and selected sites in which they differ from each other is performed.
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