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Table 3 Comparison between various diagnostic tests for COVID-19

From: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) – anatomic pathology perspective on current knowledge

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

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