Sense Biodetection has announced an accelerated programme to launch the world’s first instrument-free, point-of-care molecular diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Sense is partnering closely with Phillips-Medisize to scale-up production of its test in order to meet the growing demand for rapid diagnostics.
Sense’s Veros SARS-CoV-2 is a simple disposable test that uses a nasal swab sample to give an ultra-rapid result without the need for instrumentation. As a molecular test, its performance is equivalent to gold-standard laboratory tests, but it is easy to use in any setting and results are available in under 10 minutes. The test is fully self-contained and can be distributed widely to wherever it is needed, overcoming the logistical and contamination problems associated with machine-based testing.