Infectious Diseases

Rapid Diagnostic Technologies

Timely and accurate diagnosis is key to controlling infectious diseases. Rapid diagnostic technologies have revolutionized early detection and disease management, especially in outbreak scenarios. Point-of-care tests, lateral flow assays, CRISPR-based diagnostics, and next-generation sequencing have enabled quicker identification of pathogens—even in remote or low-resource settings. These tools not only guide immediate clinical decisions but also inform public health surveillance. This session will highlight recent advancements in diagnostic platforms, their integration into surveillance systems, and challenges related to accessibility, cost, and regulation. Real-world case studies will demonstrate how rapid diagnostics have transformed responses to diseases like COVID-19, malaria, and tuberculosis. As innovation continues, ensuring equitable access and accuracy of these tools will be vital to global health success.