Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at the emergency department using routine testing

Objectives: The novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, spreads rapidly across the world. The exponential increase in the number of cases has resulted in overcrowding of emergency departments (ED). Detection of SARS-CoV-2 is based on an RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab material. However, RT-PCR testing is time-consuming and many hospitals deal with a shortage of testing materials. Therefore, we aimed to develop an algorithm to rapidly evaluate an individual’s risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the ED. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, routine laboratory parameters (C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts), demographic data and the chest X-ray/CT result from 967 patients entering the ED with respiratory symptoms were collected. Using these parameters, an easy-to-use point-based algorithm, called the corona-score, was developed to discriminate between patients that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR and those testing negative. Computational sampling was used to optimize the corona-score. Validation of the model was performed using data from 592 patients. Results: The corona-score model yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91 in the validation population. Patients testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 showed a median corona-score of 3 vs. 11 (scale 0–14) in patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (p<0.001). Using cut-off values of 4 and 11 the model has a sensitivity and specificity of 96 and 95%, respectively. Conclusions: The corona-score effectively predicts SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR outcome based on routine parameters. This algorithm provides the means for medical professionals to rapidly evaluate SARS-CoV-2 infection status of patients presenting at the ED with respiratory symptoms.

Angaben zum Objekt

• Standort: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Umfang: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: Englisch

Verweise und Beziehungen

• Erschienen in: Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at the emergency department using routine testing ; volume:58 ; number:9 ; year:2020 ; pages:1587-1593 ; extent:07 ; Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine ; 58, Heft 9 (2020), 1587-1593 (gesamt 07)

Beteiligte, Orts- und Zeitangaben

• Urheber: Kurstjens, Steef ; van der Horst, Armando ; Herpers, Robert ; Geerits, Mick W. L. ; Kluiters-de Hingh, Yvette C. M. ; Göttgens, Eva-Leonne ; Blaauw, Martinus J. T. ; Thelen, Marc H. M. ; Elisen, Marc G. L. M. ; Kusters, Ron

Weitere Informationen

• DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-0593
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022062011131763581764
• Rechteinformation: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Letzte Aktualisierung: 15.08.2025, 07:33 MESZ