In season of COVID-19 pandemic, diagnosis and quarantine are the main strategies to control the outbreak. Invention of antidote and vaccines seems to be a long way because of consistently evolving nature of the novel coronavirus.
Talking of diagnosis process, it is quite time consuming. Also, to conduct the COVID-19 test, a person has to visit a healthcare center, which poses threat of the infection. Besides, due to dearth of kit only medical professionals are allowed to order a coronavirus test. According to present guidelines, priority is given to symptotic people and high-risk groups such as hospitalized patients, elderly people, and healthcare workers.
Registering the need of hour, drugs and pharmaceuticals companies are focusing on development of diagnostic kits. Availability of kits in large number may help diagnose the infections and inhibit further spread of the virus. However, these kits must be in compliance with the medical standard set by FDA and other medical regulatory bodies across the globe.
Abbott Testing Kit Makes Use of Automated Version of Genetic Test Procedure
As per medical experts, genetic tests are considered as the gold standard for detecting COVID-19 infection. Invention of fast test is likely to replace the original laboratory tests. Although, procedures deployed to obtain the result is similar in both the diagnostic cases.
In former diagnostic case, virus is isolated using chemical solution. Further, genetic material is segregated and left to reproduce for uncertain period of time unless it is detectable by a computer.
On the other hand, in case of rapid test, entire process is squeezed into a little self-contained cartridge. The cartridge is developed by Abbott and it can be integrated with portable machines. These machines are readily available in several hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers.
Lab director of Myoclonic in Rochester, Dr. Bobbi Pritt proclaims that the device can provide result in 15 minutes, while the conventional procedure takes 4-6 days to deliver the repot.
However, till now, no home-based testing kit has been developed. As per FDA, there is a high risk involved while conducting test at home. Swab collecting, storing and shipping of samples are the basic steps. However, if anything goes wrong, it may result in testing errors or undetected infections.