Testing Methods Sourcing Platform for COVID-19
A new platform has been created to help work on new or existing methods of testing for COVID-19 .
New and novel solutions are being sought via a new open testing methods platform. The platform is open to share and build on experiences and ideas.
NIHR researchers are invited to help where possible with any of the four specific challenges listed below.
The platform is a partnership between the Department of Health and Social Care, the UK Bioindustry Association, British In-vitro Diagnostics Association and the Royal College of Pathologists.
Four challenges
| 1. Dry swabs for use in virus detection |
A key element of speeding up the end to end testing process is the availability of swabs that can be used easily and reliably to detect the virus in a range of different swabbing applications and age |
| 2. Transport media that inactivates the virus |
In order to increase laboratory throughput we are looking at ways to minimise processes including the need to handle test samples in Category 2+/3 facilities. We are looking for transport media solutions that inactivate the virus reliably or do not add significant steps to the laboratory process or impact on viral detection |
| 3. Desktop PCR equipment for point of care testing |
Taking samples and transporting them to testing labs takes time and may not always represent the best approach within clinical pathways. We are looking for the potential to add testing capacity through reliable and standards based testing at the point of care with desktop PCR machines that allow for fast, accurate and safe results for the operator |
| 4. RNA extraction: new methods |
RNA extraction capacities are currently challenged even with automated platforms. We seek new methods of extracting viral RNA or enabling viral detection without an extraction step would help remove this bottleneck, as long as they are “ready to go” and can be integrated into existing or optimised PCR testing chains
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More information is available at: https://testingmethods.crowdicity.com/category/browse
