The ECDC ( European Centre for Disease Control ) based method for the diagnosis of active infection by the SARS COV 2 coronavirus strain is the molecular detection of nucleic acid (virus cells) from a nasopharyngeal specimen, while the serological ( blood test ) has not been recognised.

A suitable specimen is the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimen, which must be taken with a special flexible stylet and proper handling in order to obtain a cell-rich sample. Many times virus tests have been reported with false negative results , this is due to poor sample collection due to poor handling or use of inappropriate equipment. It is of course worth noting that the activity phase of the virus is important , if it is in remission or in the early stages the viral load may be quite low and give a false negative result or a doubtful (borderline) result. In this case the laboratory doctor should request a repeat sample in order to give the correct diagnosis and take appropriate measures.