Molecular diagnostics has been the front runner in the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the quantitative variant (qRT-PCR) have been the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. However, faster antigen tests and other point-of-care (POC) devices have also played a significant role in containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by facilitating mass screening and delivering results in less time. Thus, despite the higher sensitivity and specificity of the RT-PCR assays, the impact of POC tests cannot be ignored. As a consequence, there has been an increased interest in the development of miniaturized, high-throughput, and automated PCR systems, many of which can be used at point-of-care. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of miniaturized PCR systems with an emphasis on COVID-19 detection. The distinct features of digital PCR and electrochemical PCR are detailed along with the challenges. The potential of CRISPR/Cas technology for POC diagnostics is also highlighted. Commercial RT–PCR POC systems approved by various agencies for COVID-19 detection are discussed.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, polymerase chain reaction, electrochemical, digital PCR, point-of-care, 【초록키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 pandemic, qRT-PCR, POC, variant, RT-PCR, diagnostics, Antigen, molecular diagnostics, Spread, CRISPR, digital PCR, PCR, Mass screening, Sensitivity and specificity, COVID-19 diagnosis, gold, automated, Quantitative, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, POC test, reverse transcriptase, can not, Chain Reaction, gold standard, POC tests, RT-PCR assays, agency, RT–PCR, feature, approved, can be used, less, faster, 【제목키워드】 detection, PCR,