Rapid Test for COVID-19

Most experts agree that rapid testing is essential in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was developed that can deliver results in as little as 39 minutes, making it the fasted PCR test available. In addition, it’s been demonstrated to have a sensitivity (or ability to correctly identify positive tests) of 98%, and a specificity (or ability to correctly identify negative tests) of 100%.

PCR testing detects the actual DNA of the virus and is currently considered to be the gold standard for accuracy, but getting results can take up to a week. Antigen tests, which detect a specific protein on the surface of the virus, are quicker but, according to the CDC, are more likely to miss a diagnosis.

The new test involves a nasal or throat swab that is placed in a test cartridge. It’s easy for medical staff to use and could easily be deployed outside of medical facilities in areas like airports or roadside test sites. Each device can process more than 160 tests per day, and the company hopes to reach a capacity for processing one million tests by the end of the year.