Detect, a US-based health technology company, has released what it describes as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-quality, at-home rapid Covid-19 test. According to the company, the Detect Covid-19 Test is a molecular rapid test that identifies the SARS-CoV-2 virus at lower viral loads compared with antigen tests. This is expected to help in early detection of the disease. The test can be conducted at home in one hour and will be sold online through the company website from next month.
The UK Government has launched an independent review on potential ethnic bias in the design and use of some medical devices. The move comes following concerns that certain devices such as oximeters work better on people with lighter skin and exaggerate oxygen levels when used by ethnic minorities. The investigation aims to identify if such disparities have prevented patients from receiving appropriate Covid-19 treatment. Initial findings are expected by the end of January 2022.
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Vela Diagnostics has announced that the ViroKey SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test can be used with the Thermo Fisher’s KingFisher FLEX system and Hamilton Microlab STAR platforms. The test has already secured Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the company, the test kit will run with the KingFisher FLEX to reduce turnaround time and boost sample throughput. Meanwhile, the Hamilton Microlab STAR option provides a throughput of 376 samples per run.
