Inspired by the challenges that many people faced when trying to access Covid-19 testing, scientists at UCLA have developed a device that serves as an all-in-one lab kit for fast and efficient diagnostics.
Using swarms of pinhead-sized magnets inside a handheld device, the automated tests can be easily manufactured, deployed and performed at a doctor’s office, health clinic or at mass testing sites in airports and schools at the onset of any major infectious disease.
The technology, outlined in the journal Nature, could help the authorities better prepare for future pandemics by decentralising testing and maximising the use of resources.
The researchers tested their device in a clinical study with test samples from individuals who experienced Covid-19 symptoms. More than 100 test results using the lab kit were compared to the same samples tested for Covid-19 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular diagnostics performed as part of UCLA Health...