New test by ARU professor could cut false negatives and deliver faster results
Results of a unique test developed by a world-renowned expert, which targets three viral genes to increase reliability and could cut COVID-19 detection time to 20 minutes, have been peer reviewed and published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Stephen Bustin, Professor of Molecular Medicine at ARU and a leading expert in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), which is widely used to detect infectious SARS-CoV-2 in cells, has developed the assay, called Cov2-ID, with colleagues at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.
The test detects three viral targets, making it more reliable than other current tests to identify the virus which target one or two, and was 100% accurate in almost 30 patient samples taken. The test also has the potential to detect viral load, which is the amount of the virus present in each patient.
While most of the samples were taken in Essex and contained the mutant genotype of the virus, a sample taken from Australia contained a different “wild type” genotype.
Cov2-ID has been developed using MIQE guidelines, which were developed by Professor Bustin in collaboration with scientists across the world to promote best practice for qPCR assay design and publication, to produce results which are robust, sensitive and fast. It is also designed to minimise the likelihood of a false negative result which may lead to patients unwittingly infecting others.
The qPCR tests currently in use in the UK typically return results within between one and two hours. The Cov2-ID testing process is both faster and simple to carry out, and could potentially return results while the person tested waits, helping to reduce the spread of infection.
Professor Bustin said:
“Speed and reliability are vital elements of the testing process. Currently, it is not really feasible for someone to wait where they are for the results of their test. They might go to the shops, have some lunch, and only then get a positive result, risking community spread of the virus. We have developed a test that can deliver a result in just 20 minutes.
“Targeting three viral genes is unique, with most real-time qPCR assays currently only targeting two, This has led to some reports of false negative rates, again risking community spread. Our assay returned 100% accurate results from the samples collected.”
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
COVID-19 test
- What the end of the COVID-19 emergencies in the US means
The Biden administration said it intends to let the COVID-19 emergency declaration expire May 11. But what benefits will end once that happens?
- How President Biden’s plan to end Covid-19 emergencies will impact you
For the past three years, the federal government picked up the tab for COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines. The goal was to minimize the impact of the pandemic. Come May, the cost will come out of ...
- New Mexico COVID-19 update: 5 deaths, 84 hospitalizations, 140 cases
The New Mexico Department of Health reported five additional COVID-19-related deaths and 140 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday.
- First COVID-19 deaths of the year reported in Sonoma County
The three fatalities reflect the ongoing vulnerability of the county’s most vulnerable residents — the oldest, those with compromised immune systems and people with chronic health issues.
- How will life change once the Covid-19 emergency ends?
The declaration of a Covid-19 public health emergency three years ago changed the lives of millions of Americans by offering increased health care coverage, beefed-up food assistance and universal ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
COVID-19 test
[google_news title=”” keyword=”COVID-19 test” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Cov2-ID
- Roblox image ID list: 100 images and decals to use
Take a look at the gallery above to scroll through a whole load of Roblox image IDs, with their associated code listed below each picture. If you like the look of any of the images/decals above ...
- The FDA considers a major shift in the nation's COVID vaccine strategy
The new approach would simplify vaccination guidance so that, every fall, people would get a new shot, updated to try to match whatever variant is dominant.
- 'Tripledemic' warning as urgent action needed to prevent school closures
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can ...
- Can you get COVID and the flu at the same time?
And what about a cold or RSV? With all the illness spreading, it's virus soup out there these days. Some people feel so sick they're wondering if they're fighting more than one germ at once.
- CNB-CSIC vaccine fully protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection of the brain
Study: Full protection from SARS-CoV-2 brain infection and damage in susceptible transgenic mice conferred by MVA-CoV2-S vaccine candidate. Image Credit: DOERS / Shutterstock Although coronavirus ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Cov2-ID
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Cov2-ID” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]