Microsampling: A role to play in Covid‐19 diagnosis, surveillance, treatment and clinical trials

Abstract

The outbreak of the new coronavirus disease changed the world upside down. Every day, millions of people were subjected to diagnostic testing for Covid‐19, all over the world. Molecular tests helped in the diagnosis of current infection by detecting the presence of viral genome whereas serological tests helped in detecting the presence of antibody in blood as well as contributed to vaccine development. This testing helped in understanding the immunogenicity, community prevalence, geographical spread and conditions post‐infection. However, with the contagious nature of the virus, biological specimen sampling involved the risk of transmission and spread of infection. Clinic or pathology visit was the most concerning part. Trained personnel and resources was another barrier. In this scenario, microsampling played an important role due to its most important advantage of remote, contactless, small volume and self‐sampling. Minimum requirements for sample storage and ease of shipment added value in this situation. The highly sensitive instruments and validated assay formats assured the accuracy of results and stability of samples. Microsampling techniques are contributing effectively to the Covid‐19 pandemic by reducing the demand for clinical staff in population‐level testing. The validated and established applications supported the use of microsampling in diagnosis, therapeutic drug monitoring, development of treatment or vaccines and clinical trials for Covid‐19.

Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Immunosuppressive Drugs—From Sampling and Analytical Issues to Clinical Application

“…Following the manufacturers' instructions, blood collection can be performed anywhere, at any time, and by almost anyone. These techniques are becoming increasingly popular, with an annual global growth rate, and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has increased the need for POP devices, including self-sampling devices [43]. The Theranos™ dire case showed how novel approaches for diagnostics are needed and demanded; however, they should be carefully and thoroughly examined and evaluated for clinical application.…”

“…It seems that interest on the part of patients in the VAMS technique brings a brighter future for microsampling in immunosuppressive pharmacotherapy. The development of microsampling may result in the three branches of the immunosuppressant tract, namely, their components in whole blood, intracellular concentrations, and pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers [9,10,43]. Although good clinical results for patients have been observed, more detailed regulatory feedback from medical agencies is still needed, as well as multicenter studies on the clinical application of VAMS.…”

Dried blood spot analysis with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry: Trends in clinical chemistry

“…Can dried blood spot sampling, where a finger-prick blood sample is dripped onto a filter paper, contribute to reducing the unacceptable global health inequality with respect to laboratory diagnostics and treatment? at home and thus obliviate the risk of contracting or spreading infections by queuing up at the local health center [1]. Therefore, DBS has both local and global advantages.…”

“…Another advantage relevant to our new pandemic‐focused state of mind is the obvious benefit of contactless sampling. The patient can take the necessary biological sample at home and thus obliviate the risk of contracting or spreading infections by queuing up at the local health center [1]. Therefore, DBS has both local and global advantages.…”