The document discusses the diagnosis of COVID-19. It describes that there are two primary diagnostic methods: 1) a molecular-based assay using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the virus's genetic material and 2) a lateral flow immunoassay to detect antibodies against the virus. RT-PCR is currently the most accurate laboratory method but is more expensive and complex, while lateral flow tests are cheaper, simpler, and suitable for point-of-care and home testing. Diagnostic testing is critical for monitoring the spread of the virus over time and location.

1. Diagnosis of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Makrani Shaharukh Ismail
Theme area: Diagnosis of COVID -19
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of
coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for
virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease
was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or
‘2019-nCoV.’The COVID-19 virus is a new
virus linked to the same family of viruses as
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and some
types of common cold. Diagnostic testing is
possibly the only efficient way to monitor the
spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in time and
space.The WHO has appealed for global mass
testing.
Key words: Coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS,
MERS, molecular-based assay, RT-PCR, POC,
lateral flow assay .
Introduction
Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease
caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.Most
people infected with the COVID-19 virus will
experience mild to moderate respiratory illness
and recover without requiring special treatment.
Presently, there is no registered treatment or
vaccine for the disease. The need for worldwide
and huge testing across the population has led to
a race for technology innovations for COVID-19
diagnostics. The demand for COVID-19 testing is
estimated to be over 600 million tests, including
120 million genetic tests and over 500 million
rapid tests. Currently, there are two primary
methods for diagnosing COVID-19: 1. A lateral
flow immunoassay 2. A molecular-based assay.
1.Real time RT-PCR is now one of the most accurate laboratory methods for detecting,
tracking, and studying the 2.LFAs tests are usually much faster and cheaper than qRT-
PCR tests. It does not need expensive and large equipment. Therefore, it can be suitable
for home testing and is the preferred choice for many governments to guide their response
to the pandemic. 3. Diagnostic testing is possibly the only efficient way to monitor the
spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in time and space.
Abstract
Material &Method
This e-poster presentation study was conducted
via searching in databases such as Science Direct,
Medline, PubMed, PMC,and Google Scholar for
relevent articles using keywords such as
Coronavirus,COVID-19, SARS,molecular-based
assay, RT-PCR, POC, lateral flow assay etc.
Result and Discussion
This e-Poster prsentation study aimed to
discuss the Diagnosis of The Novel Chinese
Coronavirus Disease 2019
Diagnosis
Currently, there are two primary methods for
diagnosing COVID-19
1. A Molecular-based assay.
The current standard approach for screening
COVID-19 requires a reverse transcription–
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) carried
out using a variety of clinical specimens,
including bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, fibro
bronchoscope brush biopsies, sputum, nasal
swabs, pharyngeal swabs, feces, or blood .
Figure 1 Steps in the RT-PCR test
Steps
a) Specimen is taken from the nose or throat of
individual
b) RNA is extracted and
c) is transcribed into complementary DNA
d) Once the primers have bound to the DNA,
they provide a starting point for the DNA
polymerase to help copy it. DNA polymerase
then degrades the bound probe which results in
an increased fluorescence signal
e) The fluorescence increases as copies of the
virus DNA are made. If the fluorescence level
crosses certain threshold, the test is positive.
2. A lateral flow immunoassay
A lateral flow immunoassay, which is a
common point-of-care (POC) diagnostic
approach that detects antibodies against specific
viruses e.g., SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples.
https://youtu.be/uDHBTQVwO0Y
Steps
1.Collect blood/serum/plasma
sample.
2. Add blood/serum/plasma sample
to sample well.
3. Place 2-3 drops of buffer in
sample well.
4. Read results after 10 minutes and
no more than 15 minutes.
Results
Conclusion