Transcript for Diagnosis of COVID-19.

Page Title-Course Welcome Screen

Diagnosis of COVID-19.
Overview
Hello! Welcome to this module on the Diagnosis of COVID-19.
In the previous session you have learnt about the clinical features of Covid-19, Now let’s learn in detail
the Diagnosis of Covid-19.
Diagnosis
The prime suspects for COVID-19 include patients with fever and lower respiratory tract symptoms.
The geographical distribution and recent contact with the suspected patients should also be taken into
consideration.
Finally, if suspected with coronavirus, infection control measures should be implemented, and public
health officials should be notified.
Let’s understand the diagnostic criteria for Covid-19.
Diagnostic Criteria
According to CDC, diagnosis should be based on clinical and epidemiological factors.
The clinical criteria for confirming the diagnosis of the severity of Coronavirus is broadly categorized
into the following types
• Mild
• Moderate
• Severe and
• Critical
In case of mild, the symptoms include fever less than 38 degrees centigrade
In case of moderate condition, the patient may be presented with Fever, respiratory symptoms and
imaging findings of pneumonia
If the Patient is affected severely with corona virus then any of the below mentioned findings can be
observed
1. Respiratory distress
2. Oxygen saturation less than 93% at rest
3. Partial pressure of oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen less than or equal to 300 millimeters of
mercury.
Patient should have a rapid progression that is greater than 50 % on CT imaging within 24 – 48 hours
and should be managed as severe.
In case of critical condition such as Respiratory failure, Shock and Extra pulmonary organ failure
Intensive care unit is necessary.
We have learnt the diagnostic criteria of corona virus. Let us now understand the investigation methods.
Early Investigations and Methods
Respiratory material from upper and lower respiratory tract must be collected. The upper respiratory
tract specimen includes nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab or wash in ambulatory patients.
The lower respiratory specimens include sputum and or endotracheal aspirate.
Other methods of collection include blood and stool.
The specimens are to be collected in sterile containers and must be stored at 2 to 8 degree centigrade. In
case of delay, the specimens are frozen at minus 20 degree centigrade and then shipped.
Laboratory Investigations
The various laboratory investigations include:
• Nucleic acid amplification tests or NAAT tests by Real Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase
Chain Reaction or RT-PCR for COVID 19 to check for evidence of viral load indicating active
infection.
• Serological testing for detecting antibodies.
• Viral Sequencing.
• Viral culture.
Rapid collection of the specimen and testing of specimens from patients meeting the suspect case
definition for COVID-19 is a priority for clinical management and outbreak control and should be guided
by a laboratory expert.
Now that you have reached the end of this session, let’s recap the important points.
Key Takeaways
Now that you have reached the end of this module, let's recap the important points.
The prime suspects for COVID-19 include patients with fever and lower respiratory tract symptoms.
Once suspected for coronavirus, infection control measures along with notification to the public health
officials should be implemented.