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Review
. 2021 May;10(5):1814-1817.
doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2108_20. Epub 2021 May 31.

Role of radiology in RT-PCR negative COVID-19 pneumonia: Review and recommendations

Binit Sureka  1 , Pawan Kumar Garg  1 , Suvinay Saxena  1 , Mahendra Kumar Garg  2 , Sanjeev Misra  3
Affiliations
Review

Role of radiology in RT-PCR negative COVID-19 pneumonia: Review and recommendations

Binit Sureka et al. J Family Med Prim Care. 2021 May.

Abstract

Currently, RT-PCR is the gold standard for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, due to the time-consuming laboratory tests and the low positivity rate of RT-PCR, it cannot be an ideal screening tool for infected population. In this review article, we have reviewed studies related to RT-PCR and CT chest and we would like to give our recommendations. Depending upon the patient's clinical symptoms and radiology imaging typical of viral pneumonia compatible with COVID-19 infection, clinicians need to consider isolation of these patients early even if the RT-PCR test is negative.

Keywords: COVID-19; CT; RT-PCR; negative.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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