SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity rate and predictor factors for RT-PCR results in COVID-19 disease

Abstract

Background/Aim: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified and caused the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. The gold standard diagnostic method is the detection of nucleic acid in respiratory tract samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). But there might be false-negative results. The aim of this retrospective study was to find the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity rate in patients hospitalized due to viral pneumonia consistent with COVID-19 disease and to find predictor factors for RT-PCR results. Materials and methods: Adult (≥18 years of age) patients hospitalized due to viral pneumonia consistent with COVID-19 were enrolled. Results: One hundred ninety-one patients were enrolled in the study. Sixty six (34.6%) were female, and 125 (65.4%) were male. The mean age was 59.7. The RT-PCR positivity rate was 11.5%. Smoking status, confirmed fever, bronchial changes, left lower lobe involvement, and ≥3 affected lobes in CT, leukopenia, high PCT level, and <3 RT-PCR examinations per patient were found to be independent factors for the PCR result (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We found independent predictors for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity and negativity in viral pneumonia consistent with COVID-19. Despite false negative results, COVID-19 patients could be diagnosed with the help of clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings.