The significance of laboratory diagnostics in the monitoringof COVID-19 patients

<ns3:p>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), brought significant strain to healthcare systems across the globe. In approximately 80% of cases,COVID-19 follows a mild course, typically presenting with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract viralinfection. However, the risk of severe illness increases in patients aged 60 and older, tobacco smokers, organtransplant recipients, and those with comorbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidneydisease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and cancer. In severe cases, patients may develop respiratory failure,septic shock, and/or multiple organ dysfunction. Laboratory blood testing is essential to evaluating theseverity of infection and monitoring the patient’s clinical status. Due to the risk of respiratory failure, evaluatingacid-base balance through arterial blood gas analysis upon hospital admission and continuing to monitor itduring hospitalisation helps guide proper oxygen therapy. Early detection of metabolic abnormalities helpsin selecting appropriate therapeutic interventions and improves patient prognosis. SARS-CoV-2 infection canlead to sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction. To monitor these complications, clinicians rely on laboratory tests.Although the observed abnormalities are not specific to COVID-19 and may occur in other illnesses, lab testingremains a readily available and reliable method for monitoring the progression of COVID-19 and its associatedorgan complications. These tests also play a crucial role in prognosis and in evaluating disease severity.</ns3:p>