According to WHO recommendations, the key element of the diagnosis of infections in the identification of SARS-CoV-2 virus is the detection of the genetic material of the pathogen in the tested material using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. (RT-PCR – direct diagnostics). The distinguished test is characterized by high sensitivity and specificity, which determines the detection of the genetic material of the virus in patients, also in the latent phase of infection, before the onset of symptoms. This feature plays a key role
in preventing the spread of the pathogen.
The diagnostic procedure consists of two stages: Isolation of the genetic material of the virus and its replication under conditions of multiple temperature changes. The starting material used in the study is a nasopharyngeal swab.
The advantages of direct diagnostics based on the PCR method include:
possibility of obtaining positive results before the onset of the first clinical symptoms, low risk of cross-reactions (with appropriate selection of primers). the possibility of obtaining positive results also in patients whose infection is asymptomatic or poorly symptomatic,