New technology could give a Covid-19 diagnosis in 15 minutes at home

New technology which could test for the Covid-19 virus from the comfort of the home has been unveiled.

Ellume in partnership with Cambridge Consultants has developed a Food and Drug Administration – approved home test which can deliver a result within 15 minutes.

The British firm, in partnership with Ellume, has developed the technology for asymptomatic and symptomatic tests without a prescription in the US.

The technology includes a sensitive, but inexpensive reader to detect and interpret the near-infrared photons emitted from a quantum dot captured at the test zones of a lateral flow test strip. The reader is coupled with Ellume’s fluorescent immunochromatograph to deliver an accurate result.

During clinical trials, the test achieved 96 per cent accuracy and is now approved by the FDA to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier this year, Ellume announced a $231.8 million agreement with the U.S. government, including the delivery of 8.5 million Ellume COVID-19 Home Tests to support the government’s response to the pandemic.

“The Cambridge Consultants team’s dedicated work and novel approach helped us to create a highly accurate and quantitative digital immunoassay that is also affordable, robust and simple to use – the crucial elements at the heart of successful at-home testing,” said Dr Sean Parsons, founder of Ellume.

“At-home, rapid testing is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the coming months. Without Cambridge Consultants and their continued partnership over the years, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve technical success.”

“Dr. Parsons came to us with a big challenge and a strong vision that together, we faced head on. At the time, we never knew the impact it would have on the COVID-19 epidemic,” said Nick Hawson of Cambridge Consultants.

“We’ve created a strong, long-lasting partnership with Ellume rooted in collaboration and innovation, and we hope we continue to find ways to use this technology in digital diagnostics and continue our impact on global health.”