COVID-19 Overview: Testing (Online CE Course)

Author: David J Moffa, PhD, BCLD
Reviewers: Sharon Strauss, MS, SM(NRCM), MLS(ASCP)CMSMCMDLMCM and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

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This course provides essential background information on COVID-19 with emphasis on various testing methodologies available for the identification/diagnosis of suspected COVID-19 infections. The course also discusses how to identify possible prior COVID-19 infections and provides useful information for epidemiological and research studies. In addition, the course emphasizes the difference between diagnostic (viral) tests and antibody (serology) tests when used for COVID-19 testing. Updated information on COVID-19 treatments including current updates on vaccines are also provided.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 4/30/2026
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - General (Serology/Immunology): 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 4/30/2026

Objectives

  • Describe the structure and characteristics of coronaviruses.
  • Describe the diseases caused by coronaviruses.
  • Discuss the emergence of COVID-19 and its transmission, symptoms, and severity.
  • Discuss the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
  • Review the current vaccines available for COVID-19.
  • Discuss the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the types of testing available.
  • Describe NAAT, antigen tests, serology tests, and other COVID-19 tests.

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Coronavirus Background
      • Overview
      • Overview, continued
      • Key Terms and Abbreviations:
      • Which statement(s) are correct when describing Coronaviruses (CoVs)?
      • True or False? CoVs that primarily infect human lung cells typically do so via a receptor for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).
  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
      • Emergence and Transmission
      • Transmission
      • Symptoms and Severity
      • Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding COVID-19 transmission?
      • True or False? Older people and individuals of all ages with medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, may be at higher ri...
      • Prevention
      • Treatment
      • Treatment, continued
      • Treatment, continued
      • In late 2020, the FDA approved an antiviral drug to treat COVID-19. The drug is approved to treat adults and children ages 12 and older, weighing at l...
      • COVID-19 Vaccines
      • COVID-19 Vaccines, continued
      • COVID-19 Vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech
      • COVID-19 Vaccines: Moderna
      • COVID-19 Vaccines: Novavax
      • Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
      • COVID-19 Variants
      • Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S.?
  • COVID-19 Diagnosis
  • COVID Testing
      • Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
      • Types of COVID-19 Tests
      • True or False? Currently, a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 is made using an antibody (serology) test to detect antibodies produced in response to th...
      • During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA can issue a special type of approval for a product, devise, test, or treatment without full FDA approval process...
    • Diagnostic (Viral) Tests
    • Antibody (Serology) Tests
      • Antibody (Serology) Tests
      • Antibody (Serology) Tests, continued
      • True or False? The CDC does not recommend using antibody testing to diagnose COVID-19 infections.
      • Which method is currently used for antibody (serology) screening tests for COVID-19? Select all that apply.
    • Other COVID-19 Tests
      • Point of Care (POC) Tests and “At-Home” Testing
      • Point of Care (POC) Tests and "At-Home" Testing, continued
      • Point of Care (POC) Tests and "At-Home" Testing, continued
      • True or False? Point-of-care tests for COVID-19 are performed at or near where specimens are collected with results obtained within minutes rather tha...
      • All of the following statements correctly describe "At-Home" Testing for COVID-19 EXCEPT:
      • The BinaxNOW™ Ag Card test is a commonly used at-home self-test to detect the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein from nasal swabs. What specific me...
  • Commercially Available COVID-19 Tests
      • Examples of Commercial COVID-19 Tests
      • Examples of Commercial COVID-19 Tests, continued
      • Match the COVID-19 test to the type of commercial test.
      • All of the following statements correctly describe the BioPerfectus COVID-19 real-time RT-PCR test EXCEPT:
      • Which test is a two-step enzyme chemiluminescent immunoassay that uses paramagnetic particles to detect IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus?
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Clinical laboratory professionals including medical laboratory scientists, medical technologists, and technicians. This course is also appropriate for clinical laboratory science and MLT students, pathologists, and clinicians.
Author Information: David J. Moffa, PhD, BCLD, has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry as an executive manager, clinical laboratory director, and medical laboratory scientist. He is currently a technical consultant for Kentmere Healthcare, Wilmington, DE, and until his retirement, was the Regional Director for LabCorp, Inc. He holds a PhD in medical biochemistry from the School of Medicine, West Virginia University.
Reviewer Information:
Sharon Strauss, MS, SM(NRCM), MLS(ASCP)CMSMCMDLMCM completed her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology at Kutztown State College and Master of Science in Training and Organization Development at Saint Joseph's University. She currently serves as Microbiology Supervisor at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. She has been a medical laboratory scientist in a supervisory role for over 45 years. She is board-certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and Diplomat in Laboratory Management through the ASCP Board of Certification and holds Specialist in Microbiology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification and National Registry of Certified Microbiologists.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education. 
Course Description: This course provides essential background information on COVID-19 with emphasis on various testing methodologies available for the identification/diagnosis of suspected COVID-19 infections and to help identify possible prior COVID-19 infections and provide useful information for epidemiological and research studies. In addition, the course emphasizes the difference between diagnostic (viral) tests and antibody (serology) tests when used for COVID-19 testing. Updated information on COVID-19 treatments including current updates on vaccines are also provided. 

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 178 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
Overview of RT-PCR: The technique uses RNA as the nucleic acid starting material which serves as the template for synthesis of complementary DNA (cDNA) using the enzyme, RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The newly synthesized cDNA is then subjected to amplification and detection using PCR method. (7)


Overview of PCR Method: The main steps include Denaturation, Annealing, and Elongation to synthesize or amplify producing billions of copies of the DNA. (6)


Overview of LFIA: A liquid sample or extract with the analyte is applied to sample pad and moves laterally by capillary flow through zones which have attached molecules such as antibodies conjugated to colored or fluorescent particles. The test line is read as positive if the analyte is present. (9)