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Considerations for RT-qPCR in molecular point of care testing devices

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the uptake of point of care testing (POCT), with simple, user-administered tests becoming commonplace in schools, places of work and people’s homes. Antigen POCT has been pivotal in SARS-CoV-2 detection, particularly where reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) cannot be delivered in a timely manner. However, the use of antigen tests isn’t always appropriate due to variable sensitivity. RT-PCR – or RT-qPCR if using real-time detection – offers greater sensitivity and specificity. Leveraging this technology in POCT brings lab quality results to the point of need, providing rapid, accurate and actionable results to clinicians.