There are two types of diagnostic tests for viral pathogens:

• Those that target host antibodies produced in response to viral infection
• Those that target the virus’s genome.

Antibody-based tests (also known as serological tests) require blood to be drawn from infected individuals several days after viral transmission to give their immune system enough time to produce IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies. Antibody tests are essential for identifying individuals who have already been infected during a pandemic and have since recovered, especially those who never developed symptoms.

Nucleic acid-based tests only require the presence of the virus itself. Since these tests can detect viruses in patient samples even before symptom onset, nucleic acid-based tests are used instead of antibody-based tests to combat viral spread. The most common nucleic acid-based tests rely on real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify reverse-transcribed viral RNA. These tests are not without their shortcomings. Subpar sample handling can lead to false negatives, and amplification proceeds slower than isothermal amplification technologies such as loop-mediated amplification (LAMP). Because samples are usually shipped to a centralized laboratory for testing, RT-PCR tests can take over a day to as many as two weeks in pandemic times from collection to result. Laboratory RT-PCR tests also require trained technicians to carry out the protocol and interpret the results.

BioSynchronicity is focused on point-of-care (POC) testing (i.e., testing in the field rather than a laboratory) and home self-testing where authorized by local regulatory bodies. Scientists generally agree that a frequent and consistent regimen of POC testing is essential to fight the spread of highly contagious viruses, as it allows rapid identification of infected patients to enable isolation and efficient contact tracing. Although point-of-care RT-PCR diagnostics exist, they have been superseded by tests that use more rapid amplification technologies (e.g., LAMP) and smaller instruments. New high sensitivity Lateral Flow Assays from BioSynchronicity using a simple nasal sample. In development are systems which will use a saliva sample as a biological specimen, offer significant advantages over traditional diagnostic testing for viruses, pathogens, and bacteria. They are affordable, accurate, do not require trained technicians, do not require additional laboratory equipment, and are easy to use with easily interpreted rapid results in minutes.