Skip to main content

Table 1 Most current available diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV 2

From: An update on novel approaches for diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Approach

Detection

Mechanisms

Advantages

Disadvantages

RT-PCR

Different genes (S, E, N, RdRp, ORF1ab)

Reverse transcriptase PCR amplification (thermal cycles)

High sensitivity and specificity with low copy number of virus

False +/−, qualified technician, expensive, only in laboratory, only for active infection, uncomfortable swab sampling

LAMP, RT-LAMP, RPA

Different genes (S, E, N, RdRp, ORF1ab)

PCR amplification (without thermal cycle)

Rapid screening (POC), time saving, user friendly, simple equipment

Low sensitivity, False +, primary validation, only for active infection, uncomfortable swab sampling

CRISPR/cas

Different genes (S, E, N, RdRp, ORF1ab)

Detection and cleavages of viral RNA by CRISPR-cas9, 12, 13 systems

Rapid screening (POC), time saving, user friendly, high specificity and sensitivity, read results by naked eye or simple instrument

Low sensitivity due to viral adaptation, high cost

ELISA

Viral Antigens (proteins)/antibodies

Detection of Ag/Ab in the sample based on the attachment of anti-Ag/Ab and florescent visualization

Quantitative detection, stable reagent, high sensitivity for Ab detection, can be visualized by using Au nanoparticles, low cost

Less accuracy and low sensitivity especially in Ag detection at later phase of the disease, time consuming, high cost, difficult for early diagnosis in case of Ab detection

LFIA

Viral antigens (proteins)/antibodies

Detection of Ag or Ab in the plasma based on the attachment of antiAG/Ab on the nitrocellulose membrane and nanoparticle visualization

Rapid screening (POC) and time saving, simple and user friendly, read the results by digital instrument or naked eye

Less accuracy and low sensitivity, not suitable for early diagnosis, false nagative, verification needed

CLIA

Viral antigens (proteins)/antibodies

Detection of Ag or Ab in the plasma based on the attachment of anti-Ag/Ab on the magnetic, protein-coated microparticles and visualization by chemiluminescent

Rapid screening (POC) and time saving, automated instruments

High cost, not suitable for early diagnosis, need supporting chemiluminescence instruments

  1. Test are based on the detection of viral genes or proteins (Ag) or the presence of Antibodies in the patient’s sample that are mostly nasopharynx swabs or blood (plasma)
  2. LAMP loop-mediated isothermal amplification, POC point of care, ELISA enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, LFIA lateral flow immunoassay, CLIA chemiluminescent immunoassay; more details available at Nguyen et al. [136] and Kubina et al. [137]