Turkish Scientists Develop Fast Coronavirus Tests

Turkish scientists have invented a new diagnosis system that may replace conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests widely used for diagnosing the coronavirus.

The system called “Diagnovir” stands out for producing 99% reliable results in just 10 seconds, eliminating the need for nose swabs used in PCR tests and giving accurate results even in the first phases of the disease, reports Daily Sabah.

The nanotechnology-based system was developed by a group of scientists at the Bilkent University’s National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), who are now working on mass production.

The “Diagnovir” device gives fast results for positive cases, but researchers say it takes a bit longer to detect negative results.

– PCR tests have a high ratio of error and can give accurate results two to three days after the onset of the disease. Our system decreases it to seconds and can give results in the early stage of the disease – said assistant professor Bülend Ortaç, a senior researcher working on the project.

He added that it would likely take another two months to start mass production, after receiving approvals from health authorities in Turkey.

Bilkent University National Nanotechnology Research Center

UNAM

Abdullah Atalar

Bulend Ortac

Diagnovir

Bilkent University

coronavirus test

PCR

coronavirus

covid 19

pandemic

nanotechnology

nose swab