Comparison of PCR-negative patients with CT findings and PCR-positive COVID-19 patients

Aim: The gold standard diagnostic method for the diagnosis of COVID-19 is based on the demonstration of viral RNA in samples taken from the upper respiratory tract in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, in emergencies, the World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends to use computed tomography (CT) in order to reduce the loss of time and to provide rapid diagnosis, treatment and isolation of suspicious cases. In our study, we aimed to compare the laboratory values of patients with PCR negative CT findings and PCR positive patients. Material and Methods: The medical records of 1280 COVID-19 patients registered at our Family Medicine Center were reviewed retrospectively. Results: In our study, it was found that 66,70 % of PCR- negative patients with CT findings were aged 60 years and older, and 50.70% of PCR-positive COVID-19 patients were between the ages of 40-59 years; 61.30% of the patients with CT findings and 48% of the PCR-positive patients were male; 73% of PCR-positive patients had lung involvement. When CRP, fibrinogen and D-dimer values were examined, it was found that in PCR-negative COVID-19 patients with CT findings these values were statistically significantly higher. Discussion: Although the definitive diagnosis of the disease is made using a PCR test, it should not be overlooked that the patients may remain PCR negative, and it should not be forgotten that thoracic tomography findings are a good diagnostic method for this group.