Use of laboratory methods for SARS diagnosis

2 May 2003
 | Publication

Overview

 

  • Recommendations on interpretation of laboratory results
  • Recommendations for laboratories testing for SARS


    • Recommendations on interpretation of laboratory results


    Positive SARS diagnostic test findings

    a) Confirmed positive PCR for SARS virus:

    - at least 2 different clinical specimens (eg nasopharyngeal and stool)

    OR

    - the same clinical specimen collected on 2 or more days during the course of the illness (eg 2 or more nasopharyngeal aspirates)

    OR

    - 2 different assays or repeat PCR using the original clinical sample on each occasion of testing

    b) Seroconversion by ELISA or IFA:

    -negative antibody test on acute serum followed by positive antibody test on convalescent serum

     OR

    - four-fold or greater rise in antibody titre between acute and convalescent phase sera tested in parallel

     

    c) Virus isolation:

    -Isolation in cell culture of SARS-CoV from any specimen; plus PCR confirmation using a validated method.

     

    Confirmation of positive PCR

    -The PCR procedure should include appropriate negative and positive controls in each run, which should yield the expected results:

    • 1 negative control for the extraction procedure and 1 water control for the PCR run
    • 1 positive control for extraction and PCR run
    • the patient sample spiked with a weak positive control to detect PCR inhibitory substances (inhibition control)

     

    -If a positive PCR result has been obtained, it should be confirmed by:

    • repeating the PCR using the original sample

    OR

    • having the same sample tested in a second laboratory.

     

    Amplifying a second genome region could further increase test specificity

     

    Recommendations for laboratories testing for SARS

    Reference laboratories should be identified at national level.


    PCR testing

    Laboratories testing for SARS by PCR should already have experience with PCR testing. They should adopt quality control procedures and identify a partner laboratory in their country or among the WHO collaborating research laboratories listed in Multi-centre Collaborative Network: Laboratories testing for SARS to cross-check their positive findings.

    Laboratories performing SARS specific PCR tests should adopt strict criteria for confirmation of positive results, especially in low prevalence areas, where the positive predictive value might be lower.

    A PCR-kit for SARS is commercially available, including internal controls. PCR primers and procedures have been published and can be adapted by laboratories. Positive control RNA is available from the Bernhard-Nocht Institute in Hamburg, Germany.

    The sensitivity of PCR tests for SARS depends on the specimen and the time of testing during the course of the illness. This may result in real cases of SARS testing negative by PCR (false negative results). Sensitivity can be increased if multiple specimens/ multiple body sites are tested.

    The specificity of PCR tests for SARS is excellent if technical procedures used follow quality control guidelines. False positive results may arise as a result of technical problems (e.g. laboratory contamination), so every positive PCR test should be verified.

     

    Antibody testing

    ELISA and IFA tests are being developed by research laboratories.

    Because SARS a new disease in humans, SARS-CoV antibodies are not found in populations that have not been exposed to the virus.

    An antibody rise between acute and convalescent phase sera tested in parallel is very specific. 

     

     

    WHO Team
    WHO Headquarters (HQ)