Called LoopXplore, it should be available in a few weeks.
The results of a PCR test are usually available within 24 hours. A French company proposes to drastically reduce this period. Its rapid detection tool for Covid-19 provides a result within 40 minutes. “It is an ambulatory diagnostic tool that reproduces what happens in an analysis laboratory”explains Stefan Gallard, co-founder of the company Loop Dee Science at the site news.fr. Initially developed to test different viruses, LoopXplore was quickly adapted to Covid-19. It should be available in university hospitals in a few weeks.
A tool for amplifying the genetic code
The device is the size of a matchbox. It’s a “concentrate of technology which makes it possible to amplify the genetic code and to be able to read the result”he underlined at the microphone ofEuropean 1. He adds that in molecular biology, all the work is to find a specific target of the virus in the genetic sequence. It is extracted and then amplified for analysis. The LoopXplore device makes this task possible. It works with both saliva and nasopharyngeal samples. For the moment, the tests carried out with saliva are not yet recognized by the health authorities. Several scientific trials are underway to determine their effectiveness.
Unclog laboratories
Based in Caen, the company has already carried out scientific and clinical studies since April. Currently, the kit is still in the production phase and marketing is just starting. If it becomes more democratic, it could make it possible to unclog laboratories to facilitate access to screening. Today, it is difficult to find appointments in certain large cities such as Paris or Marseille. “We now have a one-week wait for registrations, and we can no longer provide results for 72 hours.”explains the technician of a Marseilles laboratory to France Blue Provence. The Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, announced on Thursday August 27 that he wanted to “increase in the short term to one million tests per week”.
Fully supported tests performed without a prescription
PCR testing is fully supported by theHealth Insurance and can be performed without a prescription. To be tested, you must make an appointment at a center listed by the Regional Health Agency. Once the test has been carried out, it is essential to stay at home while waiting for the results.
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