Table 1 An overview of diagnostic platforms developed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2

RT-qPCR

DNA replication enzymes cycle through different temperatures to amplify specific SARS-CoV-2 sequences

• Well-established

• Requires centralized infrastructure

Thermo-Fisher TaqPath RT-qPCR COVID-19 kit

• Gold standard for sensitivity and specificity

• Complex operation

• Slow (2–3 h)

Antigen assays

Immobilized antigen-specific antibodies bind and detect SARS-CoV-2 antigens in patient fluid

• Portable

• Poor detection during early-stage infection

Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card, SDBiosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag

• Simple operation

• Affordable

• Ample sensitivity

Serological assays

Immobilized viral proteins bind and detect anti – SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patient fluid

• Portable

• Unable to detect early-stage infection

Cellex qSARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM Rapid Test, Biolidics 2019-nCoV IgG/IgM Detection Kit

• Simple operation

• Can detect past infection

CRISPR

CRISPR gene-editing enzyme cleaves SARS-CoV-2 sequences, generating colour output

• Simple operation

• New technology not well established

SHERLOCK, DETECTR

• Sensitive (20–200 aM)

• Not portable

Toehold switch

Engineered gene circuits produce a colour upon detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA

• Simple operation

• Still in development

Not yet approved for SARS-CoV-2

• Low-cost

• Easy storage conditions

Isothermal amplification

DNA replication enzymes active at a single temperature amplify SARS-CoV-2 sequences

• Portable

• May require specialized instrumentation

Abbott ID-NOW

• Simple operation

• Sensitive, specific

• Quick (as fast as 5 min)

• Difficult to scale up