“Our method quickly detects intact viral particles,” said an Oxford professor (Representation)
London:
Scientists at the British University of Oxford have developed a rapid COVID-19 test capable of identifying the coronavirus in less than five minutes, researchers said Thursday, adding that it could be used in mass tests in airports and businesses.
The university said it hopes to start product development for the test device in early 2021 and have a device approved six months after.
The device is able to detect the coronavirus and distinguish it from other viruses with great precision, the researchers said in a pre-print study.
“Our method quickly detects intact viral particles,” said Professor Achilles Kapanidis, of the Oxford Physics Department, adding that this meant the test would be “simple, extremely fast and cost effective”.
Rapid antigen tests are seen as essential in rolling out mass testing and reopening economies while the coronavirus is still in circulation, and those already in use are faster and cheaper but less accurate than molecular PCR tests. existing.
Siemens Healthineers on Wednesday announced the launch of a rapid antigen test kit in Europe to detect coronavirus infections, but warned the industry may find it difficult to meet increased demand.
Although the Oxford platform is not ready until next year, testing could help manage the pandemic in time for next winter. Health officials have warned the world will have to live with the coronavirus even if a vaccine is developed.
“The unpredictable effects of the co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with other seasonal respiratory viruses are a major concern for the coming winter months,” said Dr Nicole Robb, of Warwick Medical School.
“We have shown that our test can reliably distinguish between different viruses in clinical samples, a development which offers a crucial advantage in the next phase of the pandemic.”
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
