Search for rapid and less expensive COVID-19 tests for lower middle-income countries-antigen based immunoassays remains a neglected tool

Authors

Abstract

The expensive real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based tests are considered the current gold standard for COVID-19. Owing to the cost and scarce availability most countries have tested less than 5% of their population till now. In this situation antigen-based tests are less explored and neglected tool which can serve as the best alternative.

Author Biography

Sibtain Ahmed, Section of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Senior Instructor and Consultant Clinical Chemistry

References

Bong CL, Brasher C, Chikumba E, McDougall R, Mellin-Olsen J, Enright A. The COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects on Low-and Middle-Income Countries. Anesthesia and analgesia. 2020 Apr 20. 10.1213

Ahmed S, Jafri L, Majid H, Khan AH, Ghani F, Siddiqui I. Challenges amid COVID-19 times-Review of the changing practices in a clinical chemistry laboratory from a developing country. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. July 2020 55; 300-304.

Abduljalil JM. Laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: available approaches and limitations. New Microbes and New Infections. 2020 Jun 14:100713.

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Published

2021-01-16

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 4-Sup 1 (2020): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

LETTER TO THE EDITOR