ESCMID COVID-19 guidelines: diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fragkou, Paraskevi C.; De Angelis, Giulia; Menchinelli, Giulia; Can, Fusun; Garcia, Federico; Morfin-Sherpa, Florence; Dimopoulou, Dimitra; Mack, Elisabeth; de Salazar, Adolfo; Grossi, Adriano; Lytras, Theodore; Skevaki, Chrysanthi
• Is Part Of: Clinical microbiology and infection. Volume 28:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 812
• Page End: 822
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Diagnosis -- Guidelines -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Testing; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Diagnostic microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.02.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1198-743X

Abstract

Abstract: Scope: The objective of these guidelines is to identify the most appropriate diagnostic test and/or diagnostic approach for SARS-CoV-2. The recommendations are intended to provide guidance to clinicians, clinical microbiologists, other health care personnel, and decision makers. Methods: An ESCMID COVID-19 guidelines task force was established by the ESCMID Executive Committee. A small group was established, half appointed by the chair and the remaining selected with an open call. Each panel met virtually once a week. For all decisions, a simple majority vote was used. A list of clinical questions using the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) format was developed at the beginning of the process. For each PICO, two panel members performed a literature search focusing on systematic reviews, with a third panellist involved in case of inconsistent results. Quality of evidence assessment was based on the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation - adoption, adaptation, and de novo development of recommendations) approach. Recommendations: A total of 43 PICO questions were selected that involve the following types of populations: (a) patients with signs and symptoms of COVID-19; (b) travellers, healthcare workers, and other individuals at risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2; (c) asymptomatic individuals, and (d) close contacts of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The type of diagnostic test (commercial rapid nucleic acid amplification tests and rapid antigen detection), biomaterial, time since onset of symptoms/contact with an infectious case, age, disease severity, and risk of developing severe disease are also taken into consideration.