Approved only in the U.S., the new rapid test for Covid-19 promises results on positivity in just 15 minutes: here's how it works
In the U.S., a new type of test for Covid-19 that can give an answer on a person's positivity or negativity in just 15 minutes has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating food and pharmaceuticals. It is produced by the pharmaceutical company Abbott, which has assured that it will begin producing BinaxNOW Covid-19 Ag Card on a large scale from the next few months.
The same company has also assured on the goodness of the results: clinical trials have shown that the test has a reliability close to 100% of cases. The interesting aspects of the test are several: in addition to just 15 minutes to get an answer, also the cost: $5. In addition, it is very easy to use, and healthcare professionals could test many more people in a single day. Abbott has also developed an ad hoc application that allows the person to receive the test result directly on the smartphone so as to minimize contact with other people.
Remember that at the moment the test, being a health product, has been approved only in the United States and that to be used in other Nations must be approved by individual regulatory bodies, after certifying reliability and safety.
BinaxNOW Covid-19 Ag Card, how the rapid test for Covid-19 works
To stem the spread of the virus, testing plays a key role: the more swabs you can take each day, the greater the chances of finding asymptomatic positive people. At the moment the time to take a swab and get a response is around twenty-four to forty-eight hours, but in the future the waiting time could be lowered.
BinaxNOW Covid-19 Ag Card is the name given by Abbott to the rapid test for Covid-19 that in 15 minutes gives a result on the positivity or negativity of a person from the virus. How does it work? You take a nasal swab and insert it into the test card, also using 6 drops of the special reagent produced by Abbott. You make the swab come into contact with the test strip and within 15 minutes the test shows the result: positive or negative.
Logically it is not a test that can be done safely at home: the use is only for specialized medical personnel. The positive aspect is the waiting time: only 15 minutes and you know the result.
Quick test for Covid-19: how the app works
The test made by Abbott is also "smart": the result arrives directly on the app, without the need to go to the hospital again or get in touch with other people. Navica, this is the name of the app, is already available for free on Google Play Store and App Store. Once you have the result, it is uploaded to the app. In case of a negative result, a QR Code appears to be scanned, while when it is positive, a message appears warning of the need to start quarantine and call a doctor.