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SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing Modalities: Integrating Molecular, Immunological, Biosensor, and AI Approaches
Helal F Hetta1, Rehab Ahmed1, Abdul Haseeb2
1Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Point-of-care testing (POCT) for COVID-19 offers diverse solutions, from rapid antigen tests to advanced molecular and AI-driven diagnostics. No single method is perfect, but combined approaches enhance disease management and preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for rapid, accessible diagnostic tools.
- Point-of-care testing (POCT) is crucial for decentralized healthcare and timely decision-making.
- Effective diagnostics are vital for outbreak control and public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate current advances in COVID-19 POCT technologies.
- To assess the strengths and limitations of various POCT modalities.
- To identify future directions for POCT in infectious disease management.
Main Methods:
- Structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (Jan 2020 - Jan 2026).
- Evaluation of molecular assays (RT-PCR, LAMP, CRISPR), antigen tests, antibody assays, biosensors, and AI-assisted diagnostics.
- Analysis of performance characteristics, clinical utility, and implementation readiness.
Main Results:
- Molecular POCT offers high sensitivity/specificity for decentralized use.
- Antigen tests provide rapid, cost-effective screening but performance varies.
- Antibody tests are useful for seroprevalence and immune monitoring, not acute infection.
- Biosensors and AI diagnostics show promise but require further validation.
- No single POCT modality is universally optimal; complementary approaches are key.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 POCT encompasses diverse technologies with complementary strengths.
- Integration of molecular, antigen, antibody, biosensor, and AI approaches supports varied diagnostic needs.
- Future advancements in assay design, connectivity, and variant resilience will enhance POCT's role.
- POCT is essential for effective COVID-19 management and future pandemic preparedness.
