Serial Dilutions of patient convalescent serum are added to known strains of the virus. The mixture is mixed into a a susceptible cell mono-layer and incubated for virus adsorption. Viral infection can be measured by microscope, 5-day incubation, or fluorescence.

Purified recombinant S/N proteins are immobilized to the surface of a multi-well plate to serve as capture antigens. The inactivated SARS-CoV-2 serum samples are placed with the antigen for the virus to promote binding to the antibodies. A secondary antibody serves as a label and binds to the viral antibodies to display a signal when a substrate is added (which can then be measured via photometry).
The samples collected are blood serum samples from patients.

ELISA

A strip or dipstick holding immobilized reagents are enclosed. Patient's blood is deposited on the strip coated with purified monoclonal antibody or recombinant antigen. the antibody targets the virus antigen and the recombinant antigen is recognized by antibodies present in an infected individual's system. The strip's labeled antibodies bind to the same antigen indicate a colored signal by an infected patient's blood.
Uses a patient's blood as the sample.

LFIA

The use of antibody-testing with a similar sensitivity and specificity to RT-PCR. However, the virus is detected in a later state (10-20 days into the infection). 
- SVN
- ELISA
- LFIA


University of California, Santa Cruz

Currently Used Methods for Diagnosis

Harahwa, T. A., Yau, T. H., Lim-Cooke, M., Al-Haddi, S., Zeinah, M., & Harky, A. (2020). The optimal diagnostic methods for COVID-19. Diagnosis, 0(0). doi:10.1515/dx-2020-0058

The optimal diagnostic methods for COVID-19

Diagnostic Testing methods that amplify DNA using reverse transcriptase.
Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests include but are not limited to:

- RT-PCR
- RT-LAMP
- Next Generation Sequencing
- Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification
- RPA

NAAT

Detection Methods Used Currently by Manufacturers

(Please indicate "current" date if not stated elsewhere)

- CDC
- WHO

Detection Methods Used Currently by Organizations

Imaging tests cannot be used as the only reliable diagnostic tool to detect infection due to its lack of sensitivity. However, it can be useful in medical settings with limited resources where the virus is prevalent.

- Chest Radiograph
- Ultrasound
- Computed Tomography

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