SCOPE: The objective of these guidelines is to identify the most appropriate diagnostic test and/or diagnostic approach for SARS-CoV-2. The recommendations are intended to provide guidance to clinicians, clinical microbiologists, other health care personnel, and decision makers. METHODS: An ESCMID COVID-19 guidelines task force was established by the ESCMID Executive Committee. A small group was established, half appointed by the chair, and the remaining selected with an open call. Each panel met virtually once a week. For all decisions, a simple majority vote was used. A list of clinical questions using the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) format was developed at the beginning of the process. For each PICO, two panel members performed a literature search focusing on systematic reviews with a third panelist involved in case of inconsistent results. Quality of evidence assessment was based on the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach. QUESTIONS ADDRESSED BY THE GUIDELINE AND RECOMMENDATIONS: A total of 43 PICO questions were selected that involve the following types of populations: 1) patients with signs and symptoms of COVID-19; 2) travelers, healthcare workers, and other individuals at risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2; 3) asymptomatic individuals and 4) close contacts of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The type of diagnostic test (commercial rapid nucleic acid amplification tests, and rapid antigen detection), biomaterial, time since onset of symptoms/contact with an infectious case, age, disease severity, and risk of developing severe disease are also taken into consideration.
