controlling the spread of sars cov 2 by broadening the diagnostic strategy

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has put the entire world to the test. It is a fact that we urgently need reliable clinical tests for rapid detection. The gold standard in the diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the molecular detection of viral RNA via real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (real time RT-PCR); interpretation of results can be sometimes tricky and need repetition. We have rapid tests based on the detection of viral antigens, but these often-present non-optimal sensitivity. To date, available techniques are expensive and not readily available for point-of-care applications. Every diagnostic test encompasses specific targets: Antigen-detection diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) detect proteins produced by replicating virus, RT-PCR nucleic acids. In our opinion, combining different virological diagnostic tools with clinical manifestations, especially in public health local management where it is more difficult to determine isolation and quarantine for cases and suspected cases of COVID-19, can make the pandemic containment more effective and efficient. This emerging infection should push the scientific community to ponder on the best use of the current knowledge of molecular biology, which must correlate with the clinical presentation, to optimize resources and take consequent decisions grounded on evidence.