Lab-in-a-box Can Detect COVID-19 in 5 Minutes

There is a new machine coming hopefully to a clinic near you that can test for a positive coronavirus result in just five minutes. According to Engadget Abbott has received a bid from the FDA for their machine which will help identify carriers of COVID-19 easier than ever before. According to the Abbott blog it is the fastest molecular point-of-care test for the detection of novel coronavirus.

What makes this system different is that it can be used outside of a hospital. Meaning that you can use it in a clinic, like one at CVS or Walgreen’s. The test can deliver a positive result in five minutes and an all clear result in thirteen.

The new Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 test runs on Abbott’s ID NOW^TM platform—a lightweight box (6.6 pounds and the size of a small toaster) that can sit in a variety of locations.

They are currently starting to ramp up production in hopes to deliver 50,000 ID NOW COVID-19 tests per day beginning next week, to the U.S. Healthcare system.

While testing and identifying the virus remains a crucial first step in controlling the virus, this should help curb the spread of infection. The tests currently are harder to come by and need to be more widely available for the public.

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Breana Ceballos

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