Coronavirus, 40-minute diagnosis from Hong Kong – Healthcare

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has developed a test that allows you to diagnose coronavirus positivity in just 40 minutes. It is currently the fastest virus detection device in the world and is based on molecular biotechnology. With current technology, in fact, the diagnosis requires 1.5 to three hours of time. The device has obtained the international CE certification and is qualified, the University announces, for export throughout the EU.

The device uses the latest microfluid chip technologies. The team of researchers is led by proifessor Wen Weijia from the Physics department of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The team started their research immediately after obtaining the genomic sequence of the new coronavirus on January 20 and finalized the diagnostic kit in a week. The device is already in use at the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention in the Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou and is composed of a light and portable set, suitable for quick on-site diagnoses such as, for example, in quarantine sites, customs or in airports.