Table 1.

Testing workflow for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in patients suspected of having active infection

SARS-CoV-2 testing algorithm
#1 Signs and symptoms		#2 Diagnostic testing		#3 Follow-up
Primary	Additional	Qualitative	Quantitative	Positive test result	Negative test result
Recent onset of acute respiratory symptoms including: • Sore throat • Cough • Shortness of breath	• Fever • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Recent loss of smell or taste • Chills • Muscle fatigue	• Isothermal nucleic acid amplification assay • Antigen detection assay • Viral sequencing assay	One-step or multiple-step RT-PCR assay	Subsequent monitoring • Report positive findings following reporting guidelines • Emphasize prevention measures to limit spread (isolation/quarantine) • Consider therapeutic intervention for more severe symptoms	Consider possible false negative result • Exposure history • Other clinical findings • Antigen test was performed • Perform antibody test if available to document possible exposure