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This testing method is based on a new type of measuring principle and can provide significantly quicker results than previous test methods. Moreover, it is extremely sensitive. Three to five viruses are already sufficient to reliably generate a signal. Accordingly, the danger of false, negative results is minimized.
A patent application has already been submitted for the new process. Several months of development team will be required until a market-ready prototype is available. The research team hopes that the new test will be subsequently used to test a large number of people in a very short time whilst ensuring a high level of reliability, for example at public events.
"We have been dealing with bio-chip technologies for many years", said Prof. Peter Ertl, Head of the Cell Chip research team at the Institute for Chemical Technologies and Analytics at the Vienna University of Technology. "You work with tiny amounts of liquid that can be precisely controlled and examined in the fine channels of a bio-chip. It is precisely these technologies that can now be used to develop a highly sensitive rapid coronavirus test."
The test generates extremely quick results because no additional devices are necessary, and the chip is sufficient in itself. "Of course, our new technology is not only applicable to coronaviruses. It can be adapted to any type of virus", Peter Ertl added.
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