Laboratory diagnosis of covid 19 – a review

Abstract

The novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with its early origin in China has grown into a global pandemic.The infection occurs as a mild flu to severe acute respiratory infection and spreads from person to person through droplet infection.Diagnostic testing has been and will continue to be a big part of the 2019 (COVID-19) coronavirus pandemic. Early diagnosis is the key to timely case management and control of the spread of the virus. This article provides a clear understanding of the COVID19 biosafety steps, specimen collection, storage and transportation guidelines.It also addresses steps that can be taken by cytology laboratories to work during the pandemic and reduce the risk to their employees, trainees and pathologists.