Manchester Uni researchers develop domestic COVID-19 test

Researchers at Manchester University are working on the development of a test for COVID-19 that could be used at home like a domestic pregnancy test.

The prototype test is based on the fact that sugars coat all human cells and could be used in the fight to detect infectious agents like coronavirus.

This new screening new approach can help identify the COVID-19 virus - not by its genetic code, which can mutate, but by using its reliance on chains of sugars on human cells, which are constant, the researchers note.

Professor Rob Field and his team at the university are now working with spin-out company Iceni Diagnostics to get the new test ready and officially validated ready for the autumn.

An autumn launch this year is key, as the application of this screening kit can support diagnoses of 'flu vs coronavirus', given the typical trend of flu season which can initially present similar symptoms.

“Our existing prototype product for influenza can detect the virus in less than 20 minutes and could be adapted to identify other pathogens such as coronavirus,” noted Prof Field.

“A low-cost, easy to use screening test that can be performed at the point of care would be an ideal way to limit initial disease transmission in the community and at points of entry to hospitals, or at national borders, for instance,” he added.

“Current COVID-19 tests are largely based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) that requires a laboratory setting for analysis and relies on prior knowledge of the viral genetic code. This code can change as the virus evolves, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the test.”

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