Comparison of Lateral Flow Immunoassays with PCR for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Virus

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for efficient and accurate diagnostic methods. This review compares Lateral Flow Immunoassays (LFIAs) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection. LFIAs, which detect viral antigens or antibodies, offer rapid, cost-effective testing suitable for mass screening but are less sensitive than PCR. PCR, particularly Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), remains the gold standard due to its high sensitivity and specificity, albeit with longer turnaround times and higher costs. Digital Droplet PCR (ddPCR) is highlighted for its enhanced accuracy over conventional RT-PCR. This comparison evaluates these diagnostic methods' strengths, limitations, and practical applications in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.