Rapid diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) detection: an evidence-based report

Area of Science:

• Medical Diagnostics
• Biotechnology
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019, causing a global pandemic.
• Human-to-human transmission necessitates rapid diagnostics to break the chain of infection, especially with more aggressive viral waves.
• Existing diagnostic techniques for SARS-CoV-2 present various advantages and disadvantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize promising sensor-based diagnostic technologies for detecting SARS-CoV-2.
• To identify sensitive, cost-effective, and point-of-care methods for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• To discuss potential advancements for mass and targeted detection to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar) up to May 10, 2021.
• Identification of studies focusing on SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and therapeutics.
• Analysis of sensor-based diagnostic technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification and field-effect transistor biosensors.

Main Results:

• Promising sensor-based diagnostic technologies for SARS-CoV-2 detection are summarized.
• Methods discussed include loop-mediated isothermal amplification and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocols.
• Field-effect transistor-based biosensing devices are highlighted as potential tools for rapid detection.

Conclusions:

• Sensor-based technologies offer sensitive, cost-effective, and point-of-care solutions for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• Advancements in these technologies could enable mass and targeted detection, crucial for pandemic management.
• Timely diagnosis through innovative methods is essential for controlling COVID-19 transmission and facilitating effective therapy.