Introduction

: The coronavirus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) started a pandemic in 2020. Health personnel were the first risk group exposed with cases of infections and isolations. Laboratory analyzes were important tools for diagnosis and had to be known to avoid incorrect interpretations and to collaborate in the control of the pandemic. Objective: to establish the level of knowledge of the usefulness of the SARS-CoV-2 detection tests and its influence in the control of the pandemic in the health personnel of the department of Guairá.

Methodology

: A closed response form was prepared online with the Google Form tool of the institutional account of the Universidad Católica Campus Guairá sent by messaging to health personnel. The levels were stratified as excellent, very good, good, fair and insufficient. 154 health professionals participated: physicians, nursing graduates, biochemists, pharmacists, and dentists.

Results

: Doctors (59.4%), nursing graduates (41%), pharmacists (46.7%) and dentists (48.7%) had an insufficient level of knowledge about the antigen test. The level for the CRP test was acceptable for nursing graduates (60%), pharmacists (64.4%) and dentists (60.5%). Doctors (19/40) and dentists (3/7) stated that the antigen test for SARS CoV-2 is used for the diagnosis of the virus. Doctors (15/47), nursing graduates (8/17) and biochemists (11/55) indicated that a positive result for antibodies means that the patient is infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion:

The misdiagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection could allow asymptomatic patients to continue transmitting the virus and increase infections in the population. It is suggested to disseminate correct information through social networks and oral and written dissemination.

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