IIT Kharagpur develops low-cost rapid test kits for Corona virus

A research team from IIT Kharagpur have developed a unique portable, low-cost rapid test kit for diagnosing coronavirus infection. This kit is to be priced at ₹400 per test and would give the test results in less that one hour as reported by ZeeNews. The complete analysis can be conducted on this device, with the results displayed on an app downloadable on smartphones.

This new technology can detect viral genomic RNA in an ultra-low-cost portable enclosure as an alternative to highly expensive RT-PCR machine. The technology essentially deploys a simple disposable paper-strip for chemical analysis and visualization of results.

“The same portable unit can be used for a large number of tests, on mere replacement of the paper cartridge after each test,” said IIT Kharagpur.

The kit has been developed by a research team led by IIT Kharagpur professors Suman Chakraborty and Dr Arindam Mondal. It was then validated to produce results in a short span. The institute’s Director tweeted about this, saying, “This unique innovation is aligned with the Institutional vision to develop high-end healthcare technologies that can be afforded by the ailing common people all around the globe at virtually no cost, and is likely to make a significant breakthrough in global viral pandemic management.”

This new test relatively reduces the time taken for the test results to be produced. It is said to have the capability of detecting unforeseen viral pandemics in the coming years that may potentially endanger human lives time and again.