New Sensitive Test Detects Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in 10 Minutes

Because COVID-19 symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe, and in some

There are no people at all, at some point the real number of cases is much higher thanThe main problem in identifying patients without symptoms is the lack of rapid and cheap tests that would allow the majority of the population to be tested for COVID-19.

A new test developed by scientists can detect the presence of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which are produced when infected, within 10 minutes.

The test is created by a technique calledside-stream immunoassay (LFA) - a home pregnancy test works similarly. It involves attaching a protein to a specific area on a strip of nitrocellulose. Biological fluid flows down the inner surface of the test, and any antibodies against the viral protein bind to the area on the strip.

During the testing of the development, the scientists tested it on a group of 12 patients, seven of whom had previously tested positive.The test was successful - a new test showed the presence of antibodies to the new type of coronavirus in all patients whose previous test gave a positive result.

According to the researchers, immunoassay may beuseful for confirming negative diagnoses, monitoring patient’s recovery and identifying recovered people with high antibody levels as potential plasma donors.

Previously, scientists found that a new type of coronavirus can remain deep in the lungs of those who have recovered. Such a residual infection cannot be detected by routine tests.