Artificial glycan receptor key to rapid test for Covid-19

The simple-to-use testing device has the potential to be used by frontline NHS staff allowing doctors and nurses to easily test at home to see if they have COVID-19 symptoms or not before going to work. Similarly, communities associated with a building or geographical location which require increased safeguarding - hospitals, care homes or workplaces - could quickly test visitors.

Testing times in Covid-19 response

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Professor Rob Field is Co-founder and CEO of Norwich-based spin-out company Iceni Diagnostics, which is working with his team of biotech researchers at Manchester University on getting the new test ready and officially validated ready for autumn and the onset of flu season, a period in which people with flu can have similar symptoms to those with Covid-19.

In a statement, Prof Field said: “Our existing prototype product for influenza can detect the virus in less than 20 minutes and could be adapted to identify other pathogens such as coronavirus.