Mobile Mini-Laboratory System Identifies SARS-CoV-2 Virus in 40 Minutes and Conducts 60 Tests per Day

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 18 Nov 2020
A new mini-laboratory system can identify the SARS-CoV-2 virus within roughly 40 minutes and makes it possible to conduct up to 60 tests a day right on the spot where samples are taken.

Spindiag GmbH (Freiburg, Germany) is launching the coronavirus rapid test system that can identify the SARS-CoV-2 virus within roughly 40 minutes. To identify the coronavirus, Spindiag has redesigned a test principle of its own conception which has already worked for antibiotic-resistant bugs. At the heart of this mobile mini-laboratory is a roughly one centimeter thick, crescent-shaped cartridge, with an integrated swab. Nurses and caregivers can use it to take smear tests, for instance from a patient’s nose or throat. They can then push the swab back into the cartridge and place it in an analytical instrument that automatically analyzes the swab and displays the test result. This makes it possible to conduct up to 60 tests a day with a mini-laboratory right on the spot where the samples are taken.

Image: Mobile Mini-Laboratory System (Photo courtesy of Spindiag GmbH)

Spindiag’s test process is polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based. Using PCR, the virus’ genome is replicated sufficiently to be identified even if there are only small quantities in a sample. Spindiag will first introduce its new coronavirus rapid test in Germany and then in all other European Union countries.

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