Challenges in the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Evolution of the Lateral Flow Immunoassay as a Valuable Tool for Viral Diagnosis

Biosensors (Basel). 2022 Sep 5;12(9):728. doi: 10.3390/bios12090728.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging infectious disease of zoonotic origin that caused the coronavirus disease in late 2019 and triggered a pandemic that has severely affected human health and caused millions of deaths. Early and massive diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is the key to preventing the spread of the virus and controlling the outbreak. Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA) are the simplest biosensors. These devices are clinical diagnostic tools that can detect various analytes, including viruses and antibodies, with high sensitivity and specificity. This review summarizes the advantages, limitations, and evolution of LFIA during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the challenges of improving these diagnostic devices.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antibodies; biosensors; diagnosis; lateral flow immunoassay.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G

Grants and funding

The authors kindly acknowledge the financial support of the PRODEP (Programa para el Desarrollo Profesional Docente en Educación Superior). Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo and Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT).