Khalifa University develops a new portable PCR test kit that could help detect COVID-19 in 45 minutes

 

The group of researchers at Khalifa University, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has made a portable Covid-19 testing kit that will help in detecting the virus within 45 minutes. While PCR testing is much precise, but it is complex to use, and it can take 24 hours or more to detect SARS-Cov-2 virus.

 The team of researchers incorporates the Postdoctoral Researchers Dr. Sueda Saylan and Dr. Waqas Waheed, alongside Research Associate Hussein Kannout. Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Anas Alazzam is the main researcher alongside the Director of the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology and Associate Professor of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Dr. Habiba AlSafar.

 The scientists at KU utilized the LAMP, (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Method) to produce a specific, rapid result of the COVID-19 infection. It is quicker than the traditional PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) technique. 

 Presently, in the clinical approval stage, the new LAMP kit is an easy, simple, and quicker method to detect SARS-Cov-2. The LAMP method does not require any complex gadget as it performs the test straight from a patient's swab. 

 The test result comes with a simple color change, e.g. yellow for positive and pink for negative. The LAMP kit will remain useful even after the pandemic gets over, as, for any virus detection, the kit could come of use.