ABSTRACT
Microbiological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial due to its clinical repercussion at the individual level and for the development of public health strategies to try to stop its spread. Currently, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard for microbiological diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 patients, detecting genetic material of the virus in the body. It requires proper sample handling and a well-equipped laboratory. Other diagnostic methods used are the detection of antibodies generated by the individual in contact with the virus, useful for the study of past infection, vaccine studies or epidemiological strategies;and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in biological samples, with greater profitability, lower cost and high specificity, but with high rates of false negatives in patients with low viral load. Correct indication and interpretation of diagnostic tests is essential for greater profitability.