Avanço das tecnologias de diagnóstico após a pandemia de Covid-19 no brasil: inovações e perspectivas para as doenças respiratórias, arboviroses e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point in the history of diagnostic innovations, driving the advancement and implementation of methods aimed at the rapid and accurate identification of pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of this period on the progress of diagnostic technologies in Brazil, examining the main methods established after the pandemic, in comparison with what is already consolidated, and their possible future directions for respiratory diseases, arboviruses, and sexually transmitted infections. The research was based on a literature review, using the Google Scholar, PubMed, and SciELO databases, covering the period from 2015 to 2024. Clinical and institutional studies regarding diagnostic methodologies and public health strategies were incorporated, complemented by data available on the Ministry of Health's portals. The results show that the pandemic accelerated the expansion and modernization of molecular platforms and increased testing capacity in the country. Simultaneously, point-of-care (PoC) technologies, such as rapid antigen and antibody tests, have become fundamental for the decentralization of diagnostics, resulting in new regulations by ANVISA (RDC 786/2023 and 978/2025) for various infectious diseases. Genetic sequencing, which was previously restricted to research projects, is now a continuous part of epidemiological surveillance, thanks to the SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Consortium and programs such as Genomas SUS. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the pandemic has driven significant technological progress in Brazilian diagnostics, expanding the use of automated platforms, reducing costs and time for diagnosis, and enabling access for the population. However, challenges remain regarding the equitable distribution of these technologies, considering the various regions of the country. To consolidate the progress made and ensure a more resilient and accessible diagnostic system, it is essential to strengthen laboratory infrastructure and continue investing in innovation from North to South of the country.