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Point-of-Care PCR Assays for COVID-19 Detection.

Niharika GuptaShine AugustineTarun NarayanAlan O'RiordanAsmita DasD KumarJohn H T LuongBansi Dhar Malhotra
Published in: Biosensors (2021)
Molecular diagnostics has been the front runner in the world's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the quantitative variant (qRT-PCR) have been the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. However, faster antigen tests and other point-of-care (POC) devices have also played a significant role in containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by facilitating mass screening and delivering results in less time. Thus, despite the higher sensitivity and specificity of the RT-PCR assays, the impact of POC tests cannot be ignored. As a consequence, there has been an increased interest in the development of miniaturized, high-throughput, and automated PCR systems, many of which can be used at point-of-care. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of miniaturized PCR systems with an emphasis on COVID-19 detection. The distinct features of digital PCR and electrochemical PCR are detailed along with the challenges. The potential of CRISPR/Cas technology for POC diagnostics is also highlighted. Commercial RT-PCR POC systems approved by various agencies for COVID-19 detection are discussed.
Keyphrases
  • sars cov
  • real time pcr
  • high throughput
  • coronavirus disease
  • crispr cas
  • gold nanoparticles
  • high resolution
  • risk assessment
  • mass spectrometry
  • human health
  • drug administration