Dataset of COVID-19 diagnostic tests that have been developed around the world

Diagnostic test is the safety barrier that helps contain the spread of an infectious disease. Thus, it is without doubt that the world turned to diagnostic companies for help in detecting and containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in this pandemic. Different diagnostic tests that range from RT-PCR, antigen rapid tests, and antibody tests have been developed. This dataset is a collection of clinical diagnostic tests that have been developed by companies and research labs around the world. Analysis of this dataset reveals that United States still leads the world in clinical diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 detection, with China, Singapore, South Korea, Germany, United Kingdom, and France also having developed significant number of diagnostic tests in aid of detection of the virus. Embedded in the data is the observation that technologically advanced economies with significant outlay in research and development such as Singapore and South Korea are starting to emerge as important players in clinical diagnostics with a range of tests developed. Results such as these also shows that clinical diagnostics may be one area of research and development where it is more likely to reap the benefits of the initial investment given the availability of a capable research workforce and research governance structure. Overall, the dataset should be a useful resource for understanding the prevailing trends in clinical diagnostic development on SARS-CoV-2 detection around the world.