Table 1.

Comparative assessment of polymerase chain reaction and serological/immunological tests.

Advantages/limitations	Nucleic acid tests (e.g., Polymerase chain reaction)	Serological tests (IgG/IgM/Antigens)
Pros	Specific and sensitive Immediate detection Analytical Verification of current coronavirus disease	Fast TAT/rapid testing Easy operation/access Economic Sign of infectious coronavirus
Cons	Challenge of sample collection (swab) Costly False negative due to sampling and late recovery along with elimination of virus	Non diagnostic False positive False negative due to relatively late detection at initial phase (5–7 days after onset) until about 2 weeks after infection