A test that is not available or accessible for frequent use is not as likely to be effective as a surveillance regimen to limit viral spread 8. RDTs can be applied more often, and it is important that we shift focus from a high analytical sensitivity (the ability to detect low viral copy numbers in a sample) to the more relevant metric of a test’s sensitivity to detect infections in a population. ![]() ![]() RDTs have been successfully implemented in the control of HIV and malaria 5, and while not as useful for diagnosing asymptomatic patients with low viral load 6, RDTs are quickly becoming an essential tool in the SARS-CoV-2 testing arsenal to keep world economies open 7. Although not as sensitive as RT-qPCR, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on lateral flow technology are inexpensive and allow for patient testing in non-laboratory settings. Despite its superior clinical performance, RT-qPCR is challenging to implement in resource-limited settings due to its expensive reagents, supply chain challenges, longer time to result, and requirements for either a central laboratory environment or sophisticated instrumentation. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the gold standard test method for confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection 4. The virus dispersion across remote settings still presents a barrier to testing access 2, 3. This virus has spread globally to all corners of the planet, highlighting healthcare inequities, and impacting the most vulnerable populations. As of June 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) has tallied over 3.7 million deaths caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus 1.
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