$1 Kit Diagnoses COVID-19 in 10 Minutes

Researchers have begun efficacy testing for a new SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic kit that claims to be able to test for COVID-19 infection in just 10 minutes. In the absence of approved COVID-19 vaccines or antiviral therapies, a cost-effective and widely-available diagnostic kit is the best bet for flattening the curve, particularly in cities about to be hit hard by the ongoing pandemic.

Once the diagnostics are found to meet stringent regulatory standards, the kit’s creators plan to mass-produce the tests in Senegal and United Kingdom. They are projected to be available for distribution in Africa as early as June.

The test’s developers will sell the kits at the cost price of just $1, a feat made possible with funding support from both the UK government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Experts warn that a surge in cases could completely overwhelm health systems in developing countries, a situation that will only be exacerbated by sanitation issues and food supply shortages.

Slowing the spread of the contagion by allowing public healthcare systems to test populations for COVID-19 quickly and accurately has been among the most pressing priorities for many cities in the throes of a pandemic. Rural communities lacking access to specialized diagnostic laboratories will face even bigger challenges should an outbreak occur in their area.