Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki have developed a new rapid coronavirus test that can detect infection in 10 minutes. The Finnish state television and radio company Yle reports.
The new COVID-19 antigen test is nearly as accurate as the commonly used PCR tests. It is proposed to be used in airports, seaports and educational institutions.
In practice, a sample taken from the nose with a cotton swab is placed in a solution that contains antibodies that recognize the proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They combine to form a molecular aggregate that can be detected by a special reader capable of processing up to 500 samples at a time. It is noted that this rapid test is also safe for the testing person, since the virus is inactivated when it enters the solution, Belta.by reports.