The Singapore Medical Laboratory, in collaboration with STMicroelectronics, plans to launch the world’s first disposable flu diagnostic test by the end of this year.
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Chips produced by STMicroelectronics (Photo: VNN) |
Researchers have stated that this diagnostic test can determine whether a patient is infected with the H5N1 virus within one hour and can also detect mutations and variants of this virus.
According to the Singapore Medical Laboratory, a small saliva sample is all that is needed for the test, which can simultaneously check for 100 types of viruses, including 16 known avian flu viruses and other influenza viruses, with results available within one hour.
Chen Shu Bin, the head of the Singapore Medical Laboratory, mentioned that the accuracy of this diagnostic test reaches 99%. If researchers identify mutated avian flu viruses or altered genes, they will continue to research and update the test data, ensuring that the tests are continually improved.
The diagnostic test is currently undergoing final testing by the manufacturing company.
Once the technology for the diagnostic test is successfully developed, it could not only be used to detect various flu viruses in the future but could also be utilized for AIDS testing.
This test is poised to serve as a gatekeeper at airports and immigration checkpoints during disease outbreaks.
