VTT Technical Research Center of Finland has begun work on a new testing method based on detection of antigens for the covid-19 virus. The goal of the rapid test is to provide healthcare professionals with an accurate, fast, and resource-efficient method to detect coronavirus infections early. The research is being conducted in conjunction with the MeVac-Meilahti Vaccine Research Center of Helsinki University Hospital. The project is also actively seeking Finnish companies to join the venture.
The rapid testing method is based on the detection of viral antigens in nasopharyngeal samples, and the test is designed to be performed by healthcare personnel. The results, however, will be returned significantly faster than with existing tests—within 15 minutes or less. Antibody development has already started at VTT, and the first versions of the test are expected during the fall.
”As the situation with the epidemic began to worsen internationally, we started looking for solutions within our area of excellence,” says Leena Hakalahti, PhD, biosensors research team leader at VTT. “We have expertise in antibody development and production as well as previous experience in designing diagnostic tests. It was an easy decision for us to start working on the covid-19 antibody,”
For more information, visit VTT.
