Scientists in Turkey have created a device that carries out an analysis for coronavirus in 10 seconds. For the operation of the system, called “Diagnovir”, it is only needed a sample from tunica mucosa of human mouth.
Website of the device developer, the Bilkent University reports that the invention came into the world as a result of a joint project with a branch of EA Technology Bilkent Cyberpark. Efforts over the system have been underway since the first cases of COVID-19 infection were detected in Turkey. After 7 months, positive results have been achieved.
Diagnovir is an optical diagnostic system that changes the color of the glow in the virus presence. Thus, the infection is detected with very high probability.
Scientists explained that the virus can be detected after passing light through a special biosensor. The sample taken from the patient is mixed with the solution and applied to the pathogen detection chip. If the sensor device detects a virus in the environment, a fluorescent signal informs the doctor about its presence.
Unlike conventional tests, the system is based on detecting the presence or absence of a virus using advanced optical methods. The system uses optical and electronic modules providing the highest probability of infection detection.
During the test, the system showed 99% accuracy in diagnosing viruses. The developers are confident that the device will be widely used around the world as a fast and reliable method of establishing infection. Therefore, investments in infrastructure for mass production of the system have already been made.
It is planned that the period of approval of the necessary permits and the transition to the stage of mass production of the device will take no more than two months. Thus, Turkish scientists and doctors expect to contribute to the fight against the pandemic and significantly facilitate the life of society.
Although the goal of Diagnovir is to detect COVID-19, the device can be used to search for various pathogens in further studies.
Roman TEPLYAKOV