This new test can detect COVID-19 virus in just 10 mins

A team of US scientists led by an Indian-origin researcher has developed a diagnostic test for COVID-19 that can visually detect the presence of novel coronavirus in just 10 minutes. Read to know how it works.

By: Longjam Dineshwori | | Updated: June 1, 2020 1:02 pm

A medical staffer collecting swab sample for COVID-19 testing.

Seems like COVID-19 pandemic is not going to end anytime soon, as the disease is spreading without showing any signs of slowing down. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or cure as yet and so the only way to keep yourself safe is by adopting the standard precautionary practices recommended by the health authorities. You must also watch out for the signs and symptoms so that you can get yourself tested at the earliest. Early treatment is vital because as the disease progresses, it can cause serious complications and even death. Currently, most of the COVID-19 testing is done by collecting swab samples from the suspected patients. However, this method takes hours to deliver results. The good news is that scientists have come up with a new testing method that can visually detect the presence of the novel coronavirus in just 10 minutes. Also Read - Does COVID-19 impact your menstrual cycle? Here’s the truth for you

The brainchild of a team of US scientists led by an Indian-origin researcher, the experimental diagnostic test for COVID-19 does not require the use of any advanced laboratory techniques. It uses a simple assay containing plasmonic gold nanoparticles to detect a colour change when the virus is present. Also Read - How to sterilize N95 masks using a microwave

The team from the University of Maryland School of Medicine is led by Dipanjan Pan, professor of diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine and paediatrics. Also Read - Psoriasis injection for COVID-19 patients: How does it work?

How the new test is done

After obtaining a nasal swab or saliva sample from a patient, RNA is extracted from the sample via a simple process that takes about 10 minutes. The test then uses a highly specific molecule attached to the gold nanoparticles to detect a particular protein, which is part of the genetic sequence that is unique to the novel coronavirus. As the biosensor binds to the virus’s gene sequence, the gold nanoparticles react by turning the liquid reagent from purple to blue.

Many of the diagnostic tests currently in use cannot detect the virus until several days after infection. This is also the reason why there is a significant rate of false negative results. The new test may be able to detect RNA material from the virus as early as the first day of infection, the developers claimed.

Dr Pan is planning to have a meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the next month for getting an emergency use authorisation for the test. Their study appeared in the American Chemical Society’s nanotechnology journal ACS Nano.

All you need to know about different coronavirus tests

If you suspect that you have the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, inform your doctor first. There are many ways to collect a sample from you for coronavirus testing.

Swab Test: In this method, a swap sample is collected from your nose or throat for coronavirus testing.

Nasal Aspirate: Here your doctor will inject a saline solution into your nose and then take the sample via gentle suction.

Tracheal Aspirate: In this case, a sample is collected directly from the lungs. A thin, lighted tube, called a bronchoscope, is pushed through your mouth down to your lungs to collect the sample.

Sputum Test: For this sample collection method, you may be asked to cough up some sputum so that your doctor can check it for the coronavirus.

Antibody test: The COVID-19 infection can be detected through a blood test too. A serology blood test specifically identifies the antibody immunoglobulin G, or IgG, a protein that the body produces in the late stages of infection. This antibody test helps identify if a person has had the novel coronavirus as well as gauge how long protective antibodies last within the body following an infection.

With inputs from IANS

Published : June 1, 2020 10:52 am | Updated:June 1, 2020 1:02 pm

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