Rapid point-of-care detection of SARS-CoV-2 (CoviDisk)

Within a few months, Hahn-Schickard, together with Spindiag GmbH, has developed a PCR-based rapid test for direct SARS-CoV-2 detection on an existing point-of-care platform.

The existing test system for the detection of hospital germs is already capable of analysing patient samples directly from a nasal/pharyngeal swab using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) within 40 minutes. To adapt to the SARS-CoV-2 detection, which is the aim of this project, "only" an exchange of the reagents is necessary, which shows the high flexibility of the system. For analysis, the swab is inserted directly into the test cartridge without any additional processing steps, thus minimizing the risk of contamination and infection for medical personnel.

The innovative concept also convinces with a highly sensitive  "nested PCR" approach. Here, two stages of the common laboratory analysis standard "polymerase chain reaction" are connected in series in a cartridge, thus drastically increasing the sensitivity to detect even the lowest virus concentrations. The product has been launched in November 2020.