Interpretation of diagnostic laboratory tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome: the Toronto experience.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) began in Canada in February 2003. The initial diagnosis of SARS was based on clinical and epidemiological criteria. During the outbreak, molecular and serologic tests for the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) became available. However, without a "gold standard," it was impossible to determine the usefulness of these tests. We describe how these tests were used during the first phase of the SARS outbreak in Toronto and offer some recommendations that may be useful if SARS returns.

Methods

We examined the results of all diagnostic laboratory tests used in 117 patients admitted to hospitals in Toronto who met the Health Canada criteria for suspect or probable SARS. Focusing on tests for SARS-CoV, we attempt

SUBMITTER: Tang P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC305313 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature