January 28, 2022
2 mins read

British scientists develop lab-in-a-backpack for Covid testing

The kit, described in the journal PLOS ONE, is based on a simple, non-invasive Covid-19 LAMP test. It uses low-cost hardware, including a centrifuge made from recycled computer hard drives to process samples…reports Asian Lite News

Scientists in the UK have developed a low-cost lab-in-a-backpack that they say is as accurate as commercially available Covid-19 tests at detecting SARS-CoV-2.

The compact, mobile kit is relatively inexpensive to make, costing $51 in total, the researchers said.

It could offer an alternative testing solution for resource-poor countries or remote areas with little access to well-equipped testing labs or trained personnel to process samples, they said.

“We are excited for the potential of this mobile lab to do Covid-19 tests and the possibility to democratise access to inexpensive testing technology,” said Professor Stoyan Smoukov, a professor at the Queen Mary University of London.

“The Covid-19 test is a timely application, but we also believe with this kit people could perform a large array of routine blood and urine tests, providing a centrifuge away from central hospital facilities,” Stoyan said.

The kit, described in the journal PLOS ONE, is based on a simple, non-invasive Covid-19 LAMP test. It uses low-cost hardware, including a centrifuge made from recycled computer hard drives to process samples.

The LAMP test is a widely accepted alternative to the commonly used PCR test, has a similar sensitivity.

However, unlike the PCR test, the LAMP test does not require temperature cycling. It only needs a single high temperature to amplify any potential virus RNA.

This allows the test to be performed with only minimal equipment and reagents, the researchers said.

Because the LAMP test uses saliva samples, it also avoids the need for invasive, uncomfortable nasal swabs, they said.

However, the high costs of commercially available LAMP tests, as well as the expensive lab equipment required to run them, means that current commercial approaches aren’t suitable for remote locations, or in-home testing.

“The new kit will provide a viable and inexpensive test for regions such as Africa, where innovative solutions are particularly important during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Emily Lin, from the Queen Mary University of London.

“It can also be used in resource-rich areas, for example, in high school classrooms to demonstrate how to test for Covid-19,” said Lin, the lead author of the study.

Researchers noted that regular testing is a key part of global efforts to manage the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is hoped low-cost testing solutions like this could help improve access to fast and effective testing.

The next steps will include making the kit instructions even more understandable so that people can use them regardless of their experience or language, as well as validating the test with real patient samples, they added.

ALSO READ-UK admits to unlawful policy to seize Channel migrant phones

Previous Story

Biden treats Americans ‘like fools’: Musk

Next Story

MEDIA SCAN: Bihar protesters burn train as Nepal’s population drops sharply

Latest from -Top News

Trump Targets BRICS Allies with New Tariff

This move coincides with the ongoing BRICS summit being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump has announced that an additional 10 per cent tariff will

BRICS Endorses India’s Stand on Terror

The treaty proposed by India within the UN framework aims to provide a comprehensive legal basis for combating terrorism….reports Asian Lite News The leaders’ joint statement, issued after the 17th BRICS summit

BRICS Slams US Tariff Hikes

The leaders criticised developed nations for using environmental issues to justify trade restrictions on developing countries….reports Asian Lite News Rio de Janeiro, July 7 (IANS) Embroiled in a trade war launched by

US Tariffs Pushed to August Amid Talks

In April, Trump announced a base tariff of 10 per cent on most of America’s trading partners and thereafter additional duties ranging up to 50 per cent….reports Asian Lite News US President

Indonesia Joins BRICS Bloc

This year’s BRICS Summit saw an expanded format, reflecting the grouping’s growing relevance in international affairs….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto into the BRICS
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Aid continues to pour in from East Asia, Europe

Continuing to stand beside its partner India, Japan flew in

Sonia calls for exemption of Covid drugs from GST

Sonia Gandhi said that there is a shortage of vaccine