Table 1.

Comparative analysis of diverse diagnostic approaches for COVID-19: Unveiling the power of detection methods.

Techniques	Procedure	Advantages	Disadvantages
CT scan	•CT scans have proved to be an effective screening technique for COVID-19, particularly in regions of high incidence or during pandemics. •CT scans are non-confirmatory and suggestive techniques for pathogen identification in diagnosing COVID-19.	A chest CT scan is more sensitive thanRT-PCR, particularly in the early stages.	•It takes costly equipment and technical expertise to operate. •Since the chest anomalies are similar to other viral pneumonia, it cannot identify COVID-19 precisely.
RT-PCR	•RT-PCR measures for COVID-19 ordinarily utilize upper respiratory tract tests utilizing spreads	•The molecular diagnostic technique RT-PCR is the gold standard for identifying Active Infections/viruses. •The procedure is minimally invasive and yields highly accurate findings.	•RT-PCR test requires a costly, specialized laboratory setup with equipment and biosafety infrastructure. •In addition, qualified personnel is required to execute the test method.
Immune essay	•Virus inactivated and immobilized on a slide •Addition of test sera with fluorescent antibody binding detection	•Can be performed at PC2 facilities after slide preparation •Less complex technically than neutralisation assays	•Preparing slides needs PC3 capabilities •Unspecific compared to neutralisation •Technically difficult •Subjective endpoint
CRISPR-Based Tests	•CRISPR refers to a set of bacterial nucleic corrosive successions. •Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13 are CRISPR-related proteins that can cleave these combinations. Cas12 and Cas13 compounds may be changed to cleave viral RNA.	•Possibly the most significant benefits of CRISPR/Cas9 over other genome editing methods are its ease of use and effectiveness. •CRISPR-based approaches do not need complicated apparatus and may be used with paper strips to detect the proximity of SARS-CoV-2 infection without sacrificing sensitivity or specificity. •These examinations are inexpensive and should take no more than 60 min.	•CRISPR detection is likely only as sensitive as an RTK (105–106 copies/ml).
ELISA	•ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a screening test used to determine the presence of antigens and antibodies against a pathogen in Serum/Plasma from an inpatient. •Labs using an ELISA Reader and washer processing 90+ samples on a 96-microwell plate in 2–3 h. One ELISA Reader can run many tests concurrently, including infectious, biochemical, cardiac, and cancer markers, making it cost-effective and offering reliable and accurate test results.	•ELISA tests are more sensitive and specific because they employ enzyme-substrate reactions and cleaning procedures to eliminate non-specific antibodies. •It can identify current and prior infections and has been used worldwide for over two decades.	•Complex processes and costly culture mediums are needed. •Probability of erroneous positive and negative results •Insufficient immobilisation of antigens leads to erroneous findings.
Serological test	•Serological tests study blood plasma or serum to detect immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in sputum, spit and other body fluids.	•Serology tests can identify those who have been previously infected and those who are now unwell; therefore, they would provide a clearer picture of the population's real COVID-19 infection rate. •Serology tests may be used to assess the phase of infection depending on the concentration of various antibodies in a patient's sample.	•Serology tests do not reveal the virus but the antibodies against it. •Consequently, they have the problem of providing false-negative findings in the early stages of an infection, which is the primary limitation of PCR-based techniques.
Electrochemical biosensors ‘	•Electrochemical sensors or biosensors give analytical information through a chemical or biochemical receptor as they can be connected directly to an electrical transducer element. •Electrochemical techniques may help diagnose coronavirus faster because of their cost-effectiveness, ease of use, point-of-care detection, and shortened sample analysis time.	•Quick and precise COVID-19 and its variants (Alpha, beta, gamma, omicron) infection detection. •SERS and electrochemical biosensors are the most popular point-of-care platforms due to their compact size, ease of use, and low cost.	•Most SARS-CoV-2 sensors are effective; however, some lack sensitivity, selectivity, sampling rate, and electrode manufacturing.