Scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis have revealed a rapid blood test that can predict severe complications and even deaths in hospitalised Covid-19 patients. The study involved approximately 100 infected patients that were newly admitted to the hospital. The test measures levels of mitochondrial DNA, a unique type of DNA molecule that normally resides inside the energy factories of cells. Mitochondrial DNA spilling out of cells and into the bloodstream is a sign that a particular type of violent cell death is taking place in the body.
Scentech Medical, an Israeli-based breath test diagnostics company, has developed a new and more accurate test that can screen for Covid-19 in just a few minutes and with 98% accuracy, reports Times of Israel. The test operates like a breathalyser test used by police. It is not yet authorised for use or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Eurofins, an international group of laboratories providing testing and support services, has announced a number of new initiatives aimed at increasing testing capacity of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. As part of this, it will launch NovaType, a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay, for identifying B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants. NovaType is already available in Germany and will be made available in many European countries for trial.
Global WholeHealth Partners Corp has encouraged the increase in research and development into Covid-19 SARS 2 testing. FDA authorised Covid-19 point of care serology tests can get results within minutes. Global WholeHealth Partners expects to distribute these tests to urgent care centres, hospitals, and others to help curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
