Bacter Scientific has developed a hand-held Covid-19 and virus test unit, called Novi, for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The portable Novi unit uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based technology to quickly provide testing results within minutes. It involves disposable tubes to analyse saliva samples for various respiratory viruses and their variants, including Covid-19, Zika and Influenza.
VolitionRx has reported favourable results from two Covid-19 studies conducted in partnership with researchers at two NHS Foundation Trusts to assess the use of its blood test, Nu.Q. According to early-stage data, the assay results on admission can potentially forecast future Covid-19 severity while serial results are linked to disease progression. With a neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) component, the assay could have broad applicability to track various diseases such as Covid-19, sepsis and cancer, the company said.
The Government of Japan has approved BioIQ to enable Covid-19 testing for athletes and staff visiting Japan for the Tokyo Olympics. The company is using saliva-based RT-PCR tests and molecular tests for on-site testing events at its headquarters and local personnel locations globally. BioIQ noted that thousands of personnel will be tested several times and must deliver negative Covid-19 results before travelling to Japan.
