Not just, but very simple

New COVID-19 test gives results in 10 minutes at home

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

A simple test for COVID-19 was developed by American scientists from the University of Maryland. The result of the analysis is available in a matter of minutes, and it does not require special equipment. It is equally important that the test allows you to identify the genetic material of the virus already on the first day of infection, before any symptoms appear. It is ideal for self-testing at home.

Article by Moitra et al. Selective Naked-Eye Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Mediated by N Gene Targeted Antisense Oligonucleotide Capped Plasmonic Nanoparticles is published in ACS Nano – VM journal.

The innovative technology of the new COVID-19 test makes it very simple and effective in rapid diagnosis. Saliva samples or a nasal swab are used for the test, which are analyzed right on the spot, and the results can literally be seen within 10 minutes.

"Our preliminary results show that the test can detect the RNA of the virus already on the first day of infection," said the head of the study, Dipanjan Pan.

The genetic material of the virus is extracted from the sample within a few minutes and does not require any equipment to obtain results. A swab with a smear is placed in a special liquid reagent containing gold nanoparticles and a special molecule that can bind to a viral protein. If the virus is present in the sample, the liquid changes color to dark blue and a precipitate appears in the test tube. If not, the color of the liquid remains the same.

This is a promising, simple and cheaper laboratory test for COVID-19, which does not require any equipment or medical personnel, the scientists emphasize.

At the moment, the test is being prepared for evaluation by the American FDA regulator. In case of prompt approval, the analysis can be widely used among all age groups to track repeated cases of infection, they add.

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