Abstract

Rajeev Shah*, Reena Mehta and Aarjav R. Shah

ABSTRACT

Background: Commercially available COVID-19 tests currently fall into two major categories. The first category includes molecular assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques or nucleic acid hybridization-related strategies. The second category includes serological and immunological assays that largely rely on detecting antibodies produced by individuals as a result of exposure to the virus or on detection of antigenic proteins in infected individuals. It is important to reemphasize that these two categories of tests serve overlapping purposes in management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA identifies SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals during the acute phase of infection. Serological testing subsequently identifies individuals who have developed antibodies to the virus and could be potential convalescent plasma donors. It also furthers the ability to conduct contact tracing and monitor the immune status of individuals and groups over time. Timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and future prevention are key to management of COVID-19. The current race to develop cost-effective point-of-contact test kits and efficient laboratory techniques for confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection has fueled a new frontier of diagnostic innovation.