UK firm to launch 15-minute test for Covid infection

News

A new 15-minute test that detects whether or not a subject is infectious with Covid-19 is undergoing final trials and ready for commercial rollout.

 

Developed by Iceni Diagnostics, the technology involves a lateral flow test that detects the virus’s interaction with sugars around human cells.

This method of testing is not only rapid and accurate, but should continue to work just as effectively even if the virus mutates.

The technology is the brainchild of Professor Rob Field, a glycoscientist currently working at Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and who developed the underlying science for the test at the University of East Anglia.

Artificial glycan receptor key to rapid test for Covid-19

“Respiratory viruses invade the body through cells in the airways and lungs,” Professor Field explained back in April, while the prototype test was still at an early stage. “These cells are covered in a coat of sugar chains, known as glycans, which are used for normal function of human tissues. Viruses can utilise these glycans as part of the infection process.

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