Poznań scientists develop test to detect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza
Credit: PAP/Jakub Kaczmarczyk 22.04.2020
A test that differentiates between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza has been developed by scientists from the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznań.
The new test is designed to detect two specific SARS-CoV-2 genes, and one specific gene for each of influenza A and influenza B.
A spokesman for the Institute said: “This is the first Polish differentiating genetic test available at a similar price as the test that only detects COVID-19. Widespread use of the combined test will be crucial if the flu season overlaps with the third wave of the pandemic.
“A single sample of material will protect patients from additional visits to collection points, and the possibility to distinguish between the two viruses in one process will reduce the work time of diagnosticians and the use of laboratory infrastructure.”
According to scientists, the test result is available after about an hour, and the sensitivity of the virus detection reactions exceeds 99 percent. The product also gives a simple interpretation of the result and can be used with the same diagnostic devices as the test that only detects SARS-CoV-2.
The researchers said: “Besides its diagnostic value, understood as the ability to quickly detect the right disease, the MediPAN-COVID+Flu test fits perfectly well with WHO recommendations which stress the necessity to choose multiplex PCR tests for simultaneous detection of the influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses to ensure efficient use of reagents, consumables and staff working time.”
The test will be available from next year.
PAP - Science in Poland, Szymon Kiepel
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