A new rapid screening test being developed in Halifax could help detect COVID-19 within minutes.<\/p>\n
Researchers at Sona Nanotech Inc. are working around the clock to develop the lateral flow tests, which see samples taken from the mouth or nose.<\/p>\n
Dr. Darren Rowles, president and CEO of Sona Nanotech Inc., says it would then work similar to a pregnancy test, producing results in five to 15 minutes.<\/p>\n
You dont have to wait four, six, 10, 24 hours in some cases for a result, said Rowles.<\/p>\n
Lateral flow tests are not as sensitive as the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention-approved molecular tests. But Rowles says Sonas nanorod technology has been able to bring the sensitivity level down even further.<\/p>\n
On some occasions to even peak at ground-levels, which is down to levels of molecular tests, he said.<\/p>\n
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Once tested, patients will still need to have their results confirmed. But its hoped the lateral flow tests will act as a screening tool to quickly determine if someone is potentially positive for coronavirus or potentially negative.<\/p>\n
By triaging people in that way, thats a very, very good and established method to be able to help contain, [prevent] any spread of future contamination, said Rowles.<\/p>\n
It will not only give patients peace of mind, but also help health care professionals.<\/p>\n
If youre a frontline worker and you have the ability to be able to deploy that technology, I think that certainly takes a lot of pressure off you, added Rowles.<\/p>\n
As the COVID-19 outbreak intensifies, Rowles describes the global scientific community as having a collaborative culture that is helping Sona expedite development.<\/p>\n
We recently signed a collaboration agreement with a team in GE, and their lab in Germany is poised to receive materials from us and start a program of work that will cut our workload here by a good third, said Rowles.<\/p>\n
Rowles says discussions are already underway with the FDA to potentially fast-track authorization once these tests are ready for market.<\/p>\n
2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.<\/p>\n
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Rapid screening test being developed in Halifax to quickly detect COVID-19 - Global News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A new rapid screening test being developed in Halifax could help detect COVID-19 within minutes. Researchers at Sona Nanotech Inc. are working around the clock to develop the lateral flow tests, which see samples taken from the mouth or nose Continue reading