Diagnostic Tools for COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To review the current diagnostic methodology available for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Method: This review critically analyses the merits and limitations of the recent COVID-19 diagnostics being used for disease prophylaxis and its mitigation. Multiple research papers from 2019-2022 were consulted. Many novel diagnostics have been included, such as LAMP, CRISPR, AI and other POC techniques, along with conventional RT-PCR and CT -SCAN. These have been compared based on principle, protocol, sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness and their pros and cons. Findings: Mass Spectrometry and Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) were seen to be the most sensitive and specific. They were also very rapid. However, Mass Spectrometry is expensive, as it requires sophisticated instrumentation. LAMP on the other hand, does not require expensive machinery, and thus is a better choice. Novelty: This review has covered most of the techniques, which were not earlier covered in reviews. We have compiled all data in one manuscript for the ease of readers. We have also talked about the diagnostic protocols made in India and compared their sensitivities and specificities.