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Ouopio43 ha inviato un aggiornamento 2 anni, 3 mesi fa
Nurse knowledge can improve test administration, ensure efficacy, and increase result accuracy
Takeaways:
• Three COVID-19 diagnostic testing methods are available: molecular, antigen, and antibody.
• Each method has unique advantages and disadvantages.
• Nursing knowledge can help ensure accurate testing use, interpretation, and application.
Editor’s note: This is an early release of an article that will appear in the June 2021 issue of American Nurse Journal.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry has created several testing methodologies to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in those who currently are infected and antibodies in those who were previously infected. These tests were developed in record time. However, their accuracy continues to evolve as we learn more about the virus. To ensure proper test administration, procedural efficacy, and accurate results reporting, nurses must fully understand each method.
Testing methods
Various nations and certifying organizations—including the World Health Organization (WHO), Conformité Européenne, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—have approved over 400 molecular, antigen, and serological antibody diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2. When determining which test is appropriate, nurses should consider method of sample collection, processing procedure, length of time for results, test sensitivity and specificity, test limitations, and results interpretation. Testing methods fall into three categories: molecular, antigen, and antibody.
