Innovative and Rapid Detection Methods for SARS-CoV-2 Infections: Recent Developments Worldwide

There are no effective treatments for COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 viruses worldwide and the effects of vaccines on new genetic variants of the virus are still uncertain. Therefore, initial diagnosis and management are essential for controlling the pandemic. The conventional diagnosis methods for SARS-CoV-2 include molecular tests, serology tests, and computed tomography (CT). However, a few innovative, rapid, and promising detection methods were developed in the last year and this year in different countries of the world. We have discussed the advantages and challenges of these new diagnostic methods besides discussing the widely adopted conventional approaches mentioned above.

We have summarized the most recent and conventional diagnosis methods, including commercially available devices and kits according to their SARS-CoV-2 detection accuracy rates and completion times. We have also discussed the ongoing research in this field. Finally, we have identified some thrust areas of research that could help to identify the new variants of SARS-CoV-2 rapidly and accurately.

Our review findings indicate that CRISPR-based FELUDA, SHERLOCK, Hyris kit, and COVIRAP are low time consuming, user friendly, and very appropriate for low-resource countries. Although several diagnostic methods are available, we need more efficient diagnostic tools for SARS-CoV-2 with respect to cost efficiency, accuracy, rapid detection, and user-friendliness, especially for new variants in remote areas of the world.