The following contains information from the field.

The need for COVID-19 testing is determined on a case-by-case basis. Testing should be considered for individuals who exhibit signs and symptoms of the disease and those with recent known or suspected exposure to SARS-CoV-2, besides special cases. (CDC, 2020)

The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the new loss of taste or smell (anosmia), and gastrointestinal symptoms. COVID-19 patients may also appear asymptomatic. 

Screening and testing for COVID-19 should occur based on local health advisement agencies and clinician judgment. Priority testing information is provided in this module. Infection with both SARS-CoV-2 and with other respiratory viruses has been reported, and detection of another respiratory pathogen does not rule out COVID-19. (CDC, 2020)

References

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Determine the indications for each form of COVID-19 testing according to clinical presentation.

Determine the priority for COVID-19 testing in clinical cases

Describe recommendations for laboratory diagnosis along with the rationale for them

List recommended measures for people under contact tracing process

Differentiate patients with asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 illness

Identify symptom clusters of COVID-19 and their relevance on prediction and treatment