KNUST develops rapid test for COVID-19

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Incas Diagnostics, a diagnostic company based in Kumasi, have developed a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit for COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

A statement from KNUST said the development is in line with Ghana’s objectives in the fight against the coronavirus, specifically to “contain the spread of the virus, inspire the expansion of domestic capability and deepen self-reliance”.

KNUST test

The current molecular diagnostics Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test being used in the country to detect the Coronavirus takes at least 48 hours from testing to results. The PCR tests are also able to identify people who have been infected (symptomatic or asymptomatic) and recovered.

However, the KNUST and Incas test which is awaiting Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) approval claims to detect the Coronavirus without requiring any other equipment.

"...KNUST Incas RDT detects asymptomatic cases, enables decentralised testing to be done anywhere without requiring any equipment. The device also requires little technical training for those performing the test. The test which takes 15-20 minutes to perform would enable those tested to know their results in a shorter time to enable decision making in real-time by health authorities," the statement said.

"A key use of this RDT would be for mass testing of the population to identify all those who have been exposed to the virus and thus provide key data for efforts to model the course of the pandemic and also enhance contact tracing efforts. By indicating how much of the population is already likely immune because of mild infections, antibody data can offer a key to how fast the virus will continue to spread. In the future, it could also, help identity recovered patients who could then donate their SARS COV-2 antibody-rich serum to help treat critically ill patients as is being done in some countries".

The test was launched today in Kumasi.

Read the entire statement below;