Introduction:

The disease caused by the new coronavirus constitutes a challenge for health systems. In these times of pandemic, having tests that help early diagnosis and even detect asymptomatic patients is one of the keys to reducing infections and preventing the spread.

Objective:

To review the most important aspects in the diagnosis of the new coronavirus.

Findings:

Detection of SARS-CoV2 RNA in respiratory samples is the reference and technique of choice for the microbiological diagnosis of COVID-19. By taking samples from the back of the pharynx and the nostrils, the presence of the virus can be detected. Antigen detection is a type of rapid diagnostic test which detects the presence of viral proteins (antigens) expressed by COVID-19 virus. Detection of the antibodies generated in the infected host organism is one of the most widely used techniques worldwide in large populations, even as screening, although its interpretation may require the intervention of specialists. It is also based on the detection of IgM and IgG type antibodies and some have the detection of IgA antibodies.

Conclusions:

The interpretation of serological tests should be done with caution, taking into account the limitations, and assessing them according to the patient's clinical situation and the results of the reference test.

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