No More Wait! Top 5 Rapid COVID-19 Tests that Claim Speedy Results

The novel coronavirus pandemic that shook the entire world with unprecedented crisis has created a havoc across the globe. Although every possible precautionary measures were put in place, from lockdown of economies and institutes to social distancing, still the virus succeeded to spread like a wildfire. Apart from a handful of states that have limited the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the increasing number of cases point toward the extensive failure of efforts to combat the virus. Insufficient test-and-trace systems and inadequate obedience with suggested safety measures have encouraged the virus to continue to spread widely. Several vigorous attempts to invent an effective vaccine against this deadly disease still continues, with no clear indication of when these attempts will succeed.

Researchers are currently in a race to develop rapid COVID-19 tests with advanced technology that delivers faster results. The next phase of the COVID-19 crisis will experience a situation in which COVID-19 tests that deliver test reports within minutes will be placed in people’s hands—this means taking days to obtain results from clinical diagnostic labs will now come to an end.

What are Rapid COVID-19 Tests and how do They Work?

Rapid COVID-19 tests are based on a number of technologies and formats, both traditional and advanced. These tests are easy to use and can be arranged in high-risk locations, such as educational institutions or healthcare homes, and can be performed by any person with little or no professional training. Some of them can be performed at home as well, once given the green light by regulators. Altogether, these tests assure to be a beneficial aide to lab-based PCR diagnostic testing and, if performed efficiently and at scale, can fortify the prevention of virus outspreading by rapidly detecting new occurrences beforehand they spread.

Here are top 5 COVID-19 tests that claim to offer rapid outcomes:

1. Novel portable rapid diagnostic device by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur

In July 2020, scientists at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have developed an innovative portable rapid diagnostic device that aids in detecting COVID-19 infection. The device is likely to lessen the cost involved in COVID-19 testing as it can be afforded by several people all over the country. As per the scientists from IIT Kharagpur, the test will cost around Rs. 400 and the entire test can be performed in a rather low-cost portable enclosure as compared to specialized laboratory equipment.

2. COVID-19 Test Results in 39 minutes by Bosh

Bosch has invented a novel speedy test for its Vivalytic analysis device to identify the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. The test claims to offers reliable results within 39 minutes. This test is appointed for distributed use in mobile test hubs at airports or freeway service stations. People can get reliable result within few minutes after being tested. This test has received CE approval and is now available in Europe.

3. Prof. Zhanfeng Cui and Prof. Wei Huang’s Rapid COVID-19 Test

 Researchers from the Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR) and the University of Oxford’s Engineering Science Department have invented a quick diagnosis technology for detecting the COVID-19 infection. Under the guidance of Prof. Wei Huang and Prof. Zhanfeng Cui, a team of scientists have been working to advance test competences as the virus spreads globally. This novel test claims faster results and does not require a complex instrument. This test is based on a technique which is proficient of delivering results within 30 minutes.

4. Point-of-care COVID-19 antigen test by Gauss and Cellex

Although there are many other at-home COVID-19 tests available, at least two firms are focusing on the development of speedy antigen tests that can be conducted by people at home without involving a laboratory. Gauss, a computer vision firm in collaboration with Cellex, a biotechnology firm, has developed a rapid, at-home and point-of-care COVID-19 antigen test.

5. Abbott’s Fastest Available Molecular Point-Of-Care Test

Abbott, an American multinational medical devices and health care company, has invented the fastest available molecular point-of-care test for detecting COVID-19. This test claims to offer positive outcomes in just five minutes and negative outcomes in 13 minutes. Moreover, recently it has obtained approval from the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Bottom Line

Many tech startups have truly contributed their share amidst the COVID-19 pandemic crisis by developing such novel rapid tests using advanced technologies. However, as the virus continues to outspread, the race for more advanced rapid COVID-19 tests might linger in the coming years.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.