From the Guidelines
Currently, there is no single definitive medical test to diagnose Long COVID, and diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, patient history, and tests to rule out other conditions. According to the most recent study 1, many long COVID clinics and providers still disproportionately focus on respiratory rehabilitation, which results in skewed electronic health record data. This study highlights the importance of considering a broader range of symptoms, including neurological and reproductive system symptoms, when evaluating patients with Long COVID.
Some common diagnostic approaches include:
- Blood tests to check for inflammation markers, such as D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and antinuclear antibody tests, although these may often return normal results in patients with Long COVID 1
- Chest X-rays or CT scans to assess lung damage
- Pulmonary function tests to evaluate breathing capacity
- Cardiac tests like echocardiograms for heart-related symptoms
- Neurological assessments for cognitive issues
- Advanced testing like MRIs to detect organ damage or specialized blood tests to look for autoantibodies or persistent viral fragments
The study 1 suggests that tests that return abnormal results in patients with ME/CFS and dysautonomia, such as total immunoglobulin tests, natural killer cell function tests, and the tilt table or NASA lean test, should be prioritized. Additionally, the four-point salivary cortisol test, reactivated herpesvirus panels, small fibre neuropathy biopsy, and tests looking for abnormal brain perfusion should be considered.
Healthcare providers should focus on symptom management rather than seeking a definitive diagnostic test, and develop an appropriate testing and treatment plan based on the patient's specific symptoms 1. If you're experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized care and attention.
From the Research
Long COVID Medical Test
- There is no standard test for the diagnosis of Long COVID, and clinical features, including laboratory findings and biomarkers, may not specifically relate to Long COVID 2.
- The evaluation of patients with Long COVID should be comprehensive, including medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and functional tests 3.
- Some studies have found correlations between inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and complete blood count (CBC) markers, and Long COVID symptoms 4.
- Biomarkers are critically needed to address the diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID, and research into the pathology, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of Long COVID is necessary 5.
- Promising candidate biomarkers for Long COVID include markers of systemic inflammation, endotheliopathy, coagulation, and fibrinolysis, as well as microbiota alterations and hormonal and metabolic biomarkers 2.
- A global expert consensus has established conditions for the diagnosis of different subgroups within the Long COVID umbrella and highlighted the need for translational research and large-scale treatment trials for treatment protocols 5.