Bangalee, AvaniaKreshalen GovenderBangalee, Varsha2023-02-152023-02-152022-09-15Bangalee, A., Govender, K., Bangalee, V.A. pandemic guided by the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test: What should the clinician know? South African Family Practice 2022;64(1), a5492. https://DOI.org/ 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5492.2078-6190 (print)2078-6204 (online)10.4102/safp. v64i1.5492https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/89511Amidst an ever-evolving pandemic, the demand for timely and accurate diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to increase. Critically, managing and containing the spread of the disease requires expedient testing of infected individuals. Presently, the gold standard for the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Potential vulnerabilities of this testing methodology can range from preanalytical variables to laboratoryrelated analytical factors and, ultimately, to the interpretation of results.en© 2022. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.SARS-CoV-2 PCRCOVID-19 testingMolecular diagnostic testLaboratoryCOVID-19 responseSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)COVID-19 pandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Article