II. Lessons Learned
Supplement F: Laboratory Guidance
Public Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness and Response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Version 2/3
The following lessons learned from the global and U.S. experience with SARS-CoV laboratory diagnostics have been considered in developing this Supplement:
- High-quality SARS-CoV diagnostic assays have been developed, but they frequently do not provide a definitive diagnosis early in illness and need to be used and interpreted carefully.
- Although the sensitivity of SARS-CoV PCR and antibody assays probably cannot be significantly improved, changes in the type, quality, and quantity of specimens and in procedures for processing specimens may improve the detection of SARS-CoV.
- The majority of SARS-like illnesses will be caused by other respiratory pathogens. Diagnosis of these infections will often make it easier to manage community anxiety about SARS-CoV.
- The possibility of false-positive and false-negative results with both PCR and serologic assays should always be considered when interpreting results. Clear strategies to minimize such possibilities and to confirm test results are essential.
Related Pages
- Summary
- I. Rationale and Goals
- II. Lessons Learned
- III. Diagnostic Assays
- IV. CDC’s Laboratory Diagnostics Plan
- Appendix F1: Proficiency Testing for Public Health Laboratories Performing SARS-CoV EIA and RT-PCR Diagnostics
- Appendix F2: SARS-CoV Specimen Testing Guidelines: RT-PCR and Serology
- Appendix F3: Guidelines for Clinicians: The Consent Process for SARS-CoV RT-PCR and EIA Testing at CDC and Public Health Laboratories
- Appendix F4: Guidelines for Collecting Specimens from Potential SARS Patients
- Appendix F5: Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with SARS-CoV
- Appendix F6: Guidelines for Medical Surveillance of Laboratory Personnel Working with SARS-CoV
- Appendix F7: Fact Sheet for Clinicians: Interpreting SARS-CoV Test Results from CDC and Other Public Health Laboratories
- Appendix F8: Guidelines for Laboratory Diagnosis of SARS-CoV Infection
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