Diagnosis of Viral Infections: A Review of the Current Assays and the Prediction of the Future

Different types of diagnostics methods were introduced to the public due to the recent global pandemic. From the real-time reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to antigen lateral flow assay (LFA), these tests allow relatively accurate and rapid diagnosis of the infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Because each assay has separate principles, benefits, and limitations, many of which have complementary advantages and disadvantages, the diagnostic methods in the future, with the rapid development of new techniques, could provide quick, accurate, and accessible point-of-care testing (POCT). New technologies could be used to identify the virus for future epidemics or other infections that occur in every-day lives, potentially stopping another global pandemic from affecting the community, the economy, and the government.