False-Negative Results of Real-Time Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: Role of Deep-Learning-Based CT Diagnosis and Insights from Two Cases

Korean J Radiol. 2020 Apr;21(4):505-508. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2020.0146. Epub 2020 Mar 5.

Abstract

The epidemic of 2019 novel coronavirus, later named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is still gradually spreading worldwide. The nucleic acid test or genetic sequencing serves as the gold standard method for confirmation of infection, yet several recent studies have reported false-negative results of real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Here, we report two representative false-negative cases and discuss the supplementary role of clinical data with rRT-PCR, including laboratory examination results and computed tomography features. Coinfection with SARS-COV-2 and other viruses has been discussed as well.

Keywords: COVID-19; Computed tomography; False-negative results; Laboratory examination; SARS-COV-2; rRT-PCR.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Betacoronavirus / genetics*
  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology*
  • Deep Learning
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Covid-19 aAPC vaccine