Diagnostics company BillionToOne has secured Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test, which is designed to remove the costly and time-consuming step of RNA extraction. Compared with most other molecular assays that depend on RNA extraction and qRT-PCR, the firm’s qSanger-COVID-19 assay makes use of a different set of instruments and chemicals from existing tests, which in turn allows labs to tap a new, unused capacity for the detection of Covid-19 causing SARS-CoV-2.

Swiss company ender diagnostics has announced collaboration with Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), a subsidiary of Lufthansa, to test all long-haul cabin crew members for SARS-CoV-2. Testing the long-haul crew members of SWISS before departure will help to further boost detection of Covid-19 infection and boost the safety of people travelling.

The Union Health Ministry of India has updated its advisory on testing strategy for Covid-19. It has introduced on-demand testing without the need for a prescription. However, it has allowed the state health authorities to alter the modules according to their requirements.