Development, validation, scale-up, and distribution of diagnostic tests is a key element in managing an emerging infectious disease outbreak. To enable effective contact tracing and contain the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, early availability of accurate and rapid diagnostic testing is needed. As part of an overall approach to COVID-19 testing, laboratories are implementing multiple testing platforms to meet testing demand and work around supply shortages.
POCT, already rising in demand, is in the spotlight due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and the need to quickly act to lessen the virus’ deadly impact. To enable effective contact tracing and contain the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, early availability of accurate and rapid diagnostic testing is needed. Rapid POCT is being introduced to help address the COVID-19 testing backlog and delayed turnaround times (TATs), and enable efficient contact tracing. Although the lesser sensitivity and specificity of POCT is acknowledged as an issue, its rapid TAT is a worthwhile trade-off in patient scenarios where speed is of the essence. Laboratory professionals are well-suited to lead the testing effort in a pandemic and crucial in proper oversight of POCT.
Download our white paper How The Novel Coronavirus Pandemic Of 2020 Spotlights The Value Of POCT & the Laboratory’s Vital Role During a Pandemic to learn more.