Foolproof COVID-19 test available?
A new test has now been developed to diagnose COVID-19, which detects and identifies specific variants of SARS-CoV-2 with 100% accuracy. This allows for better care of those affected and more effective containment of infections.
In a study conducted by professionals from the University of California at Irvine (UCI), a highly sensitive detection system based on DNAzyme was developed, capable of detecting with perfect precision one of the strains of SARS-CoV-2 present in the United States in clinical trials Identify samples from humans.
The results of the corresponding study can be found in the English-language journal "Journal of the American Chemical Society".
What is the Revealr SARS-CoV-2 Genotyping System?
The current research report describes the development and validation of the Revealr SARS-CoV-2 genotyping system. The team reports that they are able to correctly identify alpha, gamma, delta, epsilon and omicron genetic mutations in nasopharyngeal clinical specimens.
COVID-19 samples were analyzed
The research evaluated a total of 34 clinical specimens taken from people with symptoms of COVID-19 at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center in early, mid, and late 2021.
Samples were from nasal swabs
For this purpose, nasopharyngeal swabs were taken, from which RNA was ultimately isolated. This allowed every existing variant of SARS-CoV-2 to be correctly identified, the experts report.
The new test was able to identify each of the variants with 100% accuracy, the researchers report.
Urgent need for individualized diagnostic tools
"The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need for individualized diagnostic tools capable of detecting both the presence of the virus and its strain," study author Professor John Chaput said in a statement. Press release.
Identifying and matching people infected with variants that increase virus transmissibility and decrease vaccine protection is key to controlling the spread of the disease, the doctor adds.
Revealr outperforms all other testing methods
Expert says Revealr goes way beyond simple COVID-19 detection methods (e.g. normally used antigen kit) when it comes to identifying the exact strain of SARS-CoV-2 affecting individuals.
“Although Revealr was developed as a test to detect COVID, the next step is to expand it to other respiratory infections that share the same symptoms as COVID-19, such as: B. Influenza,” explains the Professor Chaput.
Ideal developer for cancer genotyping
“The ability to detect single mutations in a DNA or RNA genetic sequence makes the test ideal for any type of genotyping, including cancer. In addition to human health, Revealr could also be used in forensic or agricultural applications that currently rely on DNA sequencing."
A patent application for Revealr genotyping has already been filed by the research group. (as)
Author and source information
Show nowThis text corresponds to the specifications of the specialized medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been verified by health professionals.
Sources:
Kefan Yang, Daniel N Schuder, Arlene K Ngor, John C Chaput: REVEALR-Based Genotyping of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Clinical Specimens; in: Journal of the American Chemical Society (published 06/21/2022), Journal of the American Chemical SocietyUniversity of California, Irvine: COVID-19 test developed by UCI detects, identifies specific variants with an accuracy of 100 % (published on 08/03/2022), UCIImportant note:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.