Despite these efforts, the lack of diagnostic resources, human and technological, slowed down the progress and affected the outcomes of the protocols in place aimed at controlling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Finally, we conclude regarding the potential of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) systems as rapid human and environmental testing methods.Ĭonsistent efforts have been concentrated on designing and manufacturing simple, rapid, accurate and affordable diagnostic kits to be used at home by anyone. ![]() Main SARS-CoV-2 detection techniques such as nucleic acids amplification and testing, as well as serological testing, will be summarised. Further, we will discuss significant aspects of sample preparation. We will firstly present the main challenges in SARS-CoV-2 detection and a brief description of the virus biology. Here, we review the recent advances in the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, laboratory procedures and data collected via effective screening and confirmatory diagnosis are crucial to identify COVID-19 asymptomatic/symptomatic cases, active or not. Since the clinical manifestations (pneumonia, dyspnoea, fever, cough, respiratory symptoms) are not always specific, and the history of contact with other possible infected persons is not always readily available, a rapid ascertainable clinical/epidemiological diagnosis is difficult. Clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 is possible when pathognomonic symptoms, coupled with epidemiologic data, are apparent. With the vaccination process and ongoing strict surveillance for side effects, this goal relies heavily on robust methods that combine early detection, isolation or physical distancing and therapeutic and epidemiologically-based prophylactic approaches. The research community worldwide responded and gathered to consolidate the scientific findings and knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infection to control the pandemic and prepare for future outbreaks. Presently, the high transmission rate in communities and the mutagenic capability of SARS-CoV-2 contribute to the pandemic evolution and huge negative impact on health and economics. More than 1.5 billion vaccine doses have been administered so far. Globally, at the end of November 2021, there have been more than 250 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including five million deaths, reported to WHO. As a viable alternative, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is typically low-cost and user-friendly, hence harbouring tremendous potential for rapid COVID-19 diagnosis. The last approach is key to aid the clinical decision-making process for infection control, enhancing an appropriate treatment strategy and prompt isolation of asymptomatic/mild cases. ![]() The effort is constantly focused on understanding the quickly changing landscape of available diagnostic testing of COVID-19 at the clinical levels and introducing reliable and rapid screening point of care testing. Last but not least, we address the advantages and limitations of these methods as well as perspectives in COVID-19 diagnostics. This review summarizes and compares the available strategies for COVID-19: serological testing, Point-of-Care Testing, nanotechnology-based approaches and biosensors. Even though it is sensitive, specific and applicable for large batches of samples, qRT-PCR is labour-intensive, time-consuming, requires trained personnel and is not available in remote settings. Currently, the “gold standard” involves the use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The deleterious effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urged the development of diagnostic tools to manage the spread of disease.
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