What are the main approaches for the development of a
rapid and specific point-of-care diagnostic test for COVID-19?
The main approaches include nucleic acid amplification on respiratory
samples using mobile devices (RT-PCR or isothermal nucleic acid
amplification) and viral antigens or host antibodies (viral protein
fragments) detection using immunoassays.101 However,
individual tests need validation in large populations before use and
their sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values
have to be accurately ascertained. Otherwise, they may lead to COVID-19
under or over diagnosis, thus undermining the public health efforts to
control the disease.102