Rapid test can detect variants and give results within a day

A RAPID new test can detect if someone is carrying highly infectious new variants of Covid-19 in just a day.

Scientists are currently identifying new mutations of the virus in a lengthy and expensive process known as “sequencing”, in which the genetic material is analysed over a week.

However, a potentially life-saving test has been developed which can root out people infected with a different strain before they spread it.

Scientists from Novozymes in Denmark teamed up with the University of Oxford to create a method of detection similar to the current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

It can be used to analyse hundreds of positive samples in the same batch to tell scientists which variant a patient carries in as little as 40 minutes.

Initial studies suggest it is highly accurate, and it will be made available on a non-profit basis when trials are completed. The UK has been leading the way in sequencing, analysing around 15 per cent of positive Covid-19 tests. But many cases of new variants could be slipping through the cracks.

This PCR-style test, which allows bulk testing at speed, would significantly increase the Government’s ability to get quick snapshots of which variants are where. It can test for the UK, South African and Brazilian variants and could be expanded to others.

“Some of these coronavirus variants carry mutations that decrease virus susceptibility to antibodies from previously infected individuals or those who are vaccinated,” said Prof Astrid Iversen, professor of virology and immunology at the University of Oxford. “It would be unfortunate if such variants spread.

“Whether you use it as part of the diagnostic test or as an additional test on all positive samples, it will be possible to run it within a typical working day – you will simultaneously be able to inform people about a positive result and about whether they carry a problematic coronavirus variant.”

‘You will be able to inform people about a positive result and whether they carry a problematic variant’