New One-Minute COVID-19 Test Detects Antibodies from Single Drop of Blood

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 30 May 2020

A one-minute test for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is currently being developed based on an innovative testing technology that detects antibodies within one minute from a single drop of blood.

The test is being developed on bioLytical Laboratories Inc.’s (Richmond, BC, Canada) proprietary INSTI platform. bioLytical will receive advisory services and funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to develop the one-minute test for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.

Image: An INSTI test for SARS-CoV-2 (Photo courtesy of bioLytical Laboratories Inc.)

INSTI is made in Canada and known for its fast, easy-to-use, and accurate serological tests. As an antibody test, an INSTI test for SARS-CoV-2 can be an important part of the testing strategy in Canada and around the world. By detecting antibodies to COVID-19 in a single drop of blood, INSTI does not require additional materials such as swabs. Along with the test device, all materials required to perform the test are provided together in one small pouch; leading this testing platform to become known as “a lab in a pouch.”

The INSTI SARS-CoV-2 test development project is funded by NRC IRAP and aims to accelerate research and development for solutions to address COVID-19 related gaps and challenges identified by health experts.

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bioLytical Laboratories Inc.