One of the biggest problem at the starting of the novel coronavirus pandemic was ensuring aggressive testing of vast populations in many countries around the world. New testing techniques were developed to ease the process.
And since the COVID-19 pandemic is very much present a team of engineers at MIT and Harvard University has design a small device that can detect and report SARS-CoV-2 from a saliva sample within an hour.
The study demonstrates that the test is as accurate as a PCR test.
The research team says that the device can also detect mutations relate to SARS-CoV-2 that several countries have already report.
It makes it easier to track different variants since the results are available within an hour.
The entire system can be assemble at approx Rs. 1,100 researchers said that adding that the cost is expect to come further down when the production is carry out on a large scale.
Test
The team first experimented with the device with human saliva with synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequences follow by nearly 50 samples of patients who had tested positive for coronavirus.
Researchers discover that the device was just as accurate as the PCR tests use widely across the world.
The PCR tests use nasal swabs and take more time.
This device produces a fluorescent readout that anyone can see with the naked eye.
The researchers have also design a smartphone app that can read the results and send them to public health departments for easier tracking.
Researchers said that the device could be produce for as low as approx Rs. 150 to Rs. 220.
The researchers adds that if the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the production of these devices on a large scale then it could prove to be a breakthrough for areas without widespread access to PCR tests.
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