Abstract
Introduction Point-of-care molecular diagnostics offer solutions to the limited diagnostic availability and accessibility in resource-limited settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular diagnostics became essential tools for accurate detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2. The unprecedented demand for molecular diagnostics presented challenges and catalyzed innovations which may provide lessons for the future selection of point-of-care molecular diagnostics.
Areas Covered We searched PubMed from January 2020 to August 2023 to identify lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic which may impact the selection of point-of-care molecular diagnostics for future use in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated this in the context of REASSURED criteria (Real-time connectivity; Ease of specimen collection; Affordable; Sensitive; Specific; User-friendly; Rapid and robust; Equipment free; and Deliverable to users at the point of need) for point-of-care diagnostics for resource-limited settings.
Expert Opinion The diagnostic challenges and successes during the COVID-19 pandemic affirmed the importance of the REASSURED criteria but demonstrated that these are not sufficient to ensure new diagnostics will be appropriate for public health emergencies. Capacity for rapid scale-up of diagnostic testing and transferability of assays, data, and technology are also important, resulting in updated REST-ASSURED criteria. Few diagnostics will meet all criteria, and trade-offs between criteria will need to be context-specific.
<div>Bawa, < (2024). Lessons from the pandemic: new best practices in selecting molecular diagnostics for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Afribary. Retrieved from https://tracking.afribary.com/works/lessons-from-the-pandemic-new-best-practices-in-selecting-molecular-diagnostics-for-point-of-care-testing-of-infectious-diseases-in-sub-saharan-africa
<div>Bawa, <div>Mamadu "Lessons from the pandemic: new best practices in selecting molecular diagnostics for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa" Afribary. Afribary, 16 Jul. 2024, https://tracking.afribary.com/works/lessons-from-the-pandemic-new-best-practices-in-selecting-molecular-diagnostics-for-point-of-care-testing-of-infectious-diseases-in-sub-saharan-africa. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024.
<div>Bawa, <div>Mamadu . "Lessons from the pandemic: new best practices in selecting molecular diagnostics for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa". Afribary, Afribary, 16 Jul. 2024. Web. 18 Sep. 2024. < https://tracking.afribary.com/works/lessons-from-the-pandemic-new-best-practices-in-selecting-molecular-diagnostics-for-point-of-care-testing-of-infectious-diseases-in-sub-saharan-africa >.
<div>Bawa, <div>Mamadu . "Lessons from the pandemic: new best practices in selecting molecular diagnostics for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa" Afribary (2024). Accessed September 18, 2024. https://tracking.afribary.com/works/lessons-from-the-pandemic-new-best-practices-in-selecting-molecular-diagnostics-for-point-of-care-testing-of-infectious-diseases-in-sub-saharan-africa