New Test Kit Diagnose COVID 19 In Just 20 Minutes

Scientists Newly Developed A Low Cost Test Kit That Diagnose COVID 19 In Just 20 Minutes

Coronvirus COVID 19 Test — ***Source : economictimes.indiatimes***

MELBOURNE: Scientists have developed a replacement low-cost nasal swab test which may accurately diagnose the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in only 20 minutes.

The findings, published within the Journal of Medical Microbiology, show the test called N1-STOP-LAMP, is 100% accurate in diagnosing samples containing SARS-CoV-2 at high loads.

The rapid molecular test is very accurate and straightforward to use, making it a major candidate to be used in settings with limited testing capabilities, consistent with the researchers.

The method involves employing a small portable machine, which may reliably detect SARS-CoV-2 from only one nasal swab, they said.

“In the race to regulate the COVID-19 pandemic, access to rapid, precision diagnostics is vital ,” said Tim Stinear, a professor at the University of Melbourne in Australia.

“We have developed an alternate COVID-19 molecular test which will be readily deployed in settings where access to plain laboratory testing is restricted or where ultra-rapid result turnaround times are needed,” Stinear said.

This new test uses just one tube and involves only one step, making it more efficient and lower cost than many of the present tests for SARS-CoV-2.

The N1-STOP-LAMP method was found to be 100% accurate and properly identified 87% of tests as positive when wont to assess 157 confirmed-positive samples.

The results were fast, with a mean time-to-positive of 14 minutes for 93 of these clinical samples.

“We see this type of technology having benefit in settings liked aged care facilities, or overseas laboratories with limited resources and equipment,” Stinear said.

“The test requires alittle shoebox-sized machine, also as reagents, but everything is portable,” he said.

The researchers noted that STOP-LAMP is what’s mentioned as a ‘near care’ test, and isn’t intended to exchange the present gold standard PCR testing.

It’s a robust diagnostic assay for the precise and rapid detection of COVID-19, but it is vital to notice that it trades some detection sensitivity for speed and ease-of-use, they said.