Oxford scientists create rapid testing technology for COVID-19

Scientists from Oxford University have reportedly created a technology to accelerate the testing for COVID-19. The test is validated at China’s Shenzen Luohou People’s Hospital with real clinical samples. It is claimed to be faster than former tests of RNA (genetic material or ribonucleic acid).

Scientists have reportedly stated that the test is much faster and does not require any complicated instrument. The earlier viral RNA tests used to take 1.5 to 2 hours to show results. A new test has been developed by the researchers based on a technique that can deliver results in just half an hour, which is 3 times faster than the current method.

Two professors, namely Wei Huang and Zhanfeng Cui have led the team of researchers working at the Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR) and the Engineering Science Department.

Wei reportedly stated that the attraction of the latest test is the design of viral detection, which is capable of specifically recognizing RNA fragments and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RNA. The test has formed integral checks to prevent false negatives or positives and deliver highly accurate results, he further added.

This latest technology requires only a simple heat-block to maintain a constant temperature for DNA amplification and RNA reverse transcription. This capability makes it extremely useful in community healthcare centers or rural areas. It is very sensitive, which may help in detecting infected patients sooner. The scientists are now focusing to create integrated equipment for testing at airports, homes, and clinics.

In Australia, scientists are working on a separate project to map immune responses from one of the new patients with coronavirus in the country. This project will help to understand the way of the body to fight and recover from COVID-19.

For the record, till 18 March, over 207,000 cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed globally, out of this, 7,000 have been recorded in the U.S. The diseases has caused more than 8,000 deaths globally, including 115 people in the United States.

Source credit:

https://nypost.com/2020/03/18/oxford-university-scientists-develop-rapid-testing-tech-for-coronavirus/