Characteristics | Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction | Next-generation sequencing | Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification technique | CRISPR techniques (DETECTR technique using CRISPR-Cas12) | Viral antigens detection | Antibodies detection |
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Method | Reverse transcription of RNA into cDNA strands, followed by amplification of specific regions of the cDNA | Reverse transcription of RNA into cDNA strands, construction of NGS library after amplifying full length genes, and sequencing analysis | Simultaneous reverse transcription and isothermal amplification at 37 degrees Celsius using a set of highly specific primers involved in annealing and synthesizing new strands, followed by appreciable color change to the naked eye that determines positivity | Simultaneous reverse transcription and isothermal amplification using RT-LAMPcas-12 detection of predefined coronavirus sequences, and cleavage of a reporter molecule confirms detection of the virus | Monoclonal antibodies detect viral antigens by immunoassay directly from the clinical specimens | Uses clonal viral antigens to detect antibodies (IgA, IgM, and IgG) to SARS–CoV-2 from clinical specimens (such as blood or saliva) |
Turn-around Time | 6–24 h | 24 h | < 2 h | < 2 h | < 2 h | < 2 h |
Significance | Highly specific and the test of choice | Comparison between various strains involved in the evolution of this illness, useful in research and vaccine development | Rapid, accurate, and relatively simple test with high specificity | Rapid, accurate, and relatively simple with high specificity | Rapid, simple, and potential future rapid test of choice | Rapid, simple, and can detect past infection or immunity from the infection (screening test) |
Drawback | Complex technique, requires specialized laboratory and trained personnels | Complex technique and requires more time | Not quantitative | Not quantitative | Monoclonal antibody development in the laboratory is a time consuming and complex process | Antibodies become significant days to weeks after development of symptoms; not suitable for acute disease and disease confirmation |