Table 1 Diagnostic techniques with their sensitivity, strength and weakness
Technique | Sensitivity | Strength | Weakness | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Biosensors | Sensitive | High specificity | Expensive | [14] |
PCR | Sensitive | Wide variety of pathogens can be detected with various modifications More sensitive than antigen and antibody detection | Susceptible to specimen contamination which leads to false results Use time and labor Proper instrumentation required | [34] |
RT-PCR | Moderately sensitive | Capable of detecting multiplexes | Chances of contamination is high RNA is difficult to handle | [35] |
Real-time PCR | Sensitive | Less cross contamination risk Time cosumption Quantitative detection | Expensive equipment and probe required Designing of TaqMan probe needs full knowledge of target nuclei | [36] |
TMA | Moderately sensitive | Highly specific Rapid Thermal cycle not required | RNA is not easy to handle Multiple enzymes needed | [37] |
DNA micro arrays | Sensitive | Can detect several pathogens simultaneously Used for the detection of both antibody or nucleic acid | Highly expensive for majority of patients Usually needs amplification of nucleic acids before analysis | [38] |