Table 2.

Features of RT-qPCR, FilmArray RP v2.1, and the LUMIPULSE antigen test.

Assay	Principle	Strong points	Weak points
RT-qPCR	Detects SARS-CoV-2 RNA by PCR amplification	•Assesses viral load quantitatively •High sensitivity	•Long runtime (3–4 h) •Low throughput •Requires equipment, skilled technician •Results fluctuates at the late phase of infection
FilmArray RP v2.1	Detects SARS-CoV-2 RNA by PCR amplification	•Short runtime (45 min) •Easy of use •High sensitivity	•Qualitative assay •High cost •Requires equipment •Results fluctuates at the late phase of infection
LUMIPULSE antigen test	Detects SARS-CoV-2 N protein by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay	•Short runtime (30 min) •High throughput (maximum 60–120 samples /one hour)	•Low sensitivity •Requires equipment •Results fluctuates at the intermediate phase of infection