Open AccessCurrent diagnostic tools for coronaviruses–From laboratory diagnosis to POC diagnosis for COVID ‐19
Author(s) -
Wang YungChih,
Lee YiTzu,
Yang Ting,
Sun JunRen,
Shen ChingFen,
Cheng ChaoMin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
bioengineering and translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2380-6761
DOI - 10.1002/btm2.10177
Subject(s) - covid-19 , pandemic , point of care testing , quarantine , coronavirus , medicine , point of care , health care , intensive care medicine , virology , immunology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , pathology , outbreak , economics , economic growth
The Coronavirus‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has put tremendous strain on healthcare systems worldwide. It is challenging for clinicians to differentiate COVID‐19 from other acute respiratory tract infections via clinical symptoms because those who are infected display a wide range of symptoms. An effective, point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic tool could mitigate healthcare system strain, protect healthcare professionals, and support quarantine efforts. We believe that a POC tool can be developed that would be rapid, easy to use, and inexpensive. It could be used in the home, in resource‐limited areas, and even in clinical settings. In this article, we summarize the current state of COVID‐19 diagnostic methods and make a case for an all‐in‐one, highly sensitive POC assay that integrates antibody detection, protein detection, and serum cytokine detection to diagnose COVID‐19 infection. We believe this article will provide insights into the current state of diagnostics for COVID‐19, and promote additional research and tool development that could be exceptionally impactful.