April 24, 2020
Bulletin interne de l'Institut Pasteur
Diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection
The COVID-19 outbreak requires research and subsequent industrial development to produce specific diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ideally, these tests should be both reliable and simple and quick to administer. There are two main types of diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 infection:
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Direct detection tests for the virus: direct detection tests for viral infection are based on a technique known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). They are relatively quick (a few hours) and well employed by laboratories.
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Serological tests: serological testing is used to search for the presence of specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the blood (immunoglobulin M or G (IgM/IgG)). It determines whether an individual has been infected by the virus in recent weeks. These tests cannot be used for early diagnosis of infection, since the production of specific antibodies by the immune system takes time, from a few days to a few weeks.