New Covid test to give rapid results

A $5 test that can diagnose Covid-19 in 15 minutes will dramatically expand the capacity to detect cases in less wealthy countries

Drugs manufacturers Abbott and SD Biosensor have agreed with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to produce 120 million tests for distribution to low- and middle-income countries

1 Insert swab 3cm into each nostril and rotate five times against
nasal wall

Abbott claims test has 97% success rate

2 Add six drops of reagent to top hole

3 Push swab up through bottom hole until visible in top hole, and rotate three times

4 Remove adhesive strip cover and press wallet firmly shut with swab still in place. Result can be read in 15 minutes


Kit includes credit card- sized paper wallet, swab, and reagent fluid

Result window
Wallet closed
Wallet open
Reagent
Adhesive strip
Top hole 
Bottom hole
Swab

Cost of test: $5


READING RESULTS 
Negative 
Positive
Invalid (repeat test) 

Do not read test results before 15 minutes or after 30 minutes – may give false result


Sources: WHO, Abbott, FDA, BBC 
Picture: Getty Images
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