Select City

COVID Test From Just Your Smartphone? New Tech Gives Results In Under 30 Mins

google-follow

The research found that the device accurately detected a set of positive samples in 5 mins.

- Updated: 20th Dec 2020, 20:19 IST
  • 1
    How does the test work?

Scientists have developed a novel technology for a CRISPR-based COVID-19 diagnostic test. It uses a smartphone camera to provide accurate results in under 30 minutes. According to the research published in the journal Cell, the new diagnostic test can not only generate a positive or negative result. Moreover, it also measures the viral load — the concentration of virus — in a given sample.

Also Read: Rumors: iPhone 13 Might Not Have Any Ports At All

All CRISPR diagnostics to date requires the viral RNA to convert to DNA. In addition, it needs to be amplified before it can be detected, adding time and complexity, the researchers said.

In contrast, the new approach skips all the conversion and amplification steps. It is using CRISPR to directly detect the viral RNA, they said.

“One reason we are excited about CRISPR-based diagnostics is the potential for quick, accurate results at the point of need,” said Jennifer Doudna, a senior investigator at Gladstone Institutes in the US.

Also Read: Micromax Teases “In” Series Design Ahead Of Launch

“This is especially helpful in places with limited access to testing, or when frequent, rapid testing is needed. It could eliminate a lot of the bottlenecks we’ve seen with COVID-19,” Doudna said.

Moreover, he won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for co-discovering CRISPR-Cas genome editing, the technology that underlies this work.

How does the test work?

In the new test, the Cas13 protein combines with a reporter molecule that becomes fluorescent when cut. Subsequently, it is then mixing with a patient sample from a nasal swab, the researchers said.

The sample is placed in a device that attaches to a smartphone. If the sample contains RNA from SARS-CoV-2, Cas13 will be activated. This will cut the reporter molecule, causing the emission of a fluorescent signal, they said.

Also Read: OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Edition Launched

The smartphone camera essentially converts into a microscope, will detect the fluorescence. Additionally, it will then report that a swab tested positive for the virus, according to the researchers.

It can also adapt to a variety of mobile phones, making the technology easily accessible.

Also Read: WhatsApp Allegedly Working On New Features Like Read Later, Mute Video

When the scientists tested their device using patient samples, they confirmed that it could provide a very fast turnaround time of results for samples with clinically relevant viral loads.

The research found that the device accurately detected a set of positive samples in under 5 minutes.

For samples with a low viral load, the researchers said, the device required up to 30 minutes to distinguish it from a negative test.

Also read: Top 10 Mobile Phones



Comments

Featured Videos

iPhone 15 Wonderlust Launch Event: What To Expect And How To Watch?
11th Sep 2023
Apple Watch Series 9: Here Is All That Happened In The Wonderlust Event
10th Aug 2023
Samsung Games Portal: Everything You Need to Know
12th Jul 2023
Here’s The Best Way To Buy Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Now!
11th Jul 2023
Apple MacBook Air 15 Inch: An Expensive Yet Unbeatable Laptop Choice In 2024
10th Jul 2023

Highlights of the Story

  • Scientists have developed a novel technology for a CRISPR-based COVID-19 diagnostic test.
  • It uses a smartphone camera to provide accurate results in under 30 minutes.
  • Additionally, it also measures the viral load — the concentration of virus — in a given sample.