New Covid test breakthrough takes minutes

Chinese scientists say they have developed a new coronavirus test that is as accurate as a PCR lab test but gives results within four minutes.

Polymerase chain reaction tests are widely considered the most accurate in detecting Covid-19, but they usually take several hours.

Now, researchers from Shanghai's Fudan University said in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering that their new sensor can detect the coronavirus in less than four minutes.

The researchers said their method offers speed, ease of operation and high sensitivity.

They took samples from 33 Covid patients, with PCR tests conducted in parallel, and results from their method were a "perfect" match with the PCR tests.

Those cases did not yield any false positives, the team said.

They added that once developed, their testing device can be used for quick testing in airports, health facilities and at home.