The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised the first diagnostic test for at home sample collection and detection of both Covid-19 and influenza A and B (flu). The Quest Diagnostics RC COVID-19 +Flu RT-PCR Test is now eligible for prescription use along with the Quest’s Self-Collection Kit for COVID-19 +Flu for individuals suffering with respiratory viral infection that may be consistent with Covid-19.

Scientists from the University of California Berkeley and Gladstone Institutes have developed a new CRISPR-based Covid-19 diagnostic test that uses smartphone cameras to detect a positive or negative result in 30 minutes. Unlike other tests, this one allows doctors to monitor the severity of the disease in patients and how contagious they may be depending on the number of virus particles in a sample.

Achiko and Udayana University have collaborated to conduct Covid-19 mass testing in Bali. The partners will study the acceptance and feasibility of mass testing and its effects on the healthcare industry, consumer and business confidence. As per the research agreement, the testing will be conducted across three islands, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

ADVAITE, a biotech company, has received a CE mark clearance for its Covid-19 rapid response IgG antibody test, RapCov™, to help efforts to curb the spread of the virus. The company is collaborating with OBELIS in the Europe, as an authoritative representative, to expand and market the diagnostic testing kits.