The results of a special test developed by a world-renowned expert, which targets three viral genes to increase reliability and reduce COVID-19 detection time to 20 minutes, were reviewed by peers 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, is on the assay, called Cov2-ID, developed by colleagues at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.
The test detects three viral targets, making it more reliable than other conventional tests to identify the virus targeting one or two, and was 100% accurate in nearly 30 patient samples tested. construction. The test also has the ability to detect viral load, which is the amount of virus present in each patient.
Although most of the samples were taken in Essex and contained the mutant genotype of the virus, a sample imported from Australia contained a different genotype “wild type”.
Cov2-ID was developed using MIQE guidelines, developed by Professor Bustin in collaboration with scientists worldwide to promote good practice for qPCR assay design and publication, to produce results a pass that is strong, sensitive and quick. It is also designed to prevent the likelihood of a false positive result that patients may unknowingly introduce to others.
The qPCR tests currently used in the UK typically return results within an hour to two hours. The Cov2-ID verification process is both faster and simpler to perform, and may return results while the person being tested is waiting, helping to reduce the spread of infection.
Dr Bustin said: “Speed and reliability are essential features of the testing process. At the moment, it is not impossible for someone to wait where they want their test results. They could go to the shops, get some lunch, and only then get a good result, jeopardizing the spread of the virus in the community.We have developed a test that will produce in just 20 minutes.
“Targeting three unique viral genes, with the majority of real-time qPCR evaluations currently focusing on two, This has led to some reports of false negative rates, again compromising community distribution. Our assay returned 100% accurate results from the samples collected. “
Story source:
Materials provided by Anglia Ruskin University. Note: Content can be edited for style and length.