Unravelling the diagnostic methodologies for SARS-CoV-2; the Indispensable need for developing point-of-care testing

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Diagnostic Technologies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a significant global health challenge.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for controlling the spread of infections.
• Clinical symptoms of COVID-19 overlap with other diseases, necessitating specific pathogen detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on SARS-CoV-2, including its variants.
• To discuss conventional and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic methods for COVID-19.
• To explore emerging technologies for accelerated and efficient virus diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
• Analysis of conventional diagnostic techniques for viral detection.
• Evaluation of point-of-care (POC) assay strategies and their performance characteristics.
• Exploration of developing technologies for rapid COVID-19 diagnosis.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 variants pose ongoing diagnostic challenges.
• Conventional methods, while established, may lack speed for outbreak management.
• Point-of-care (POC) assays demonstrate potential for sensitive, specific, affordable, and accessible COVID-19 diagnosis.
• Emerging technologies promise faster and more efficient diagnostic procedures.

Conclusions:

• Effective COVID-19 control hinges on advanced diagnostic strategies.
• Point-of-care (POC) assays are a promising approach for rapid and accessible SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• Continued development of diagnostic technologies is essential for managing the evolving pandemic.