Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2944
Title: Lessons from the pandemic: new best practices in selecting molecular diagnostics for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mamadu, Baldeh
Bawa, Flavia K.
Bawah, Faiza U.
Chamai, Martin
Dzabeng, Francis
Jebreel, Waleed M.A.
Kabuya, Jean-Bertin B.
Dele-Olowu, Shola K. Molemodile
Odoyo, Erick
Robinson, Dimbintsoa Rakotomalala
Cunnington, Aubrey J.
Keywords: Lessons,pandemic, best practices, selecting, molecular, diagnostics, point-of-care, testing, infectious, diseases, sub-Saharan Africa
Issue Date: 9-Nov-2023
Publisher: Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics
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.
URI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14737159.2023.2277368
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14737159.2023.2277368
http://ir-library.mmust.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2944
Appears in Collections:Gold Collection



Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.