We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App





New Rapid COVID-19 Test Beats ELISA Method in Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Blood Within Just 12 Minutes

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 10 Feb 2021
A new rapid COVID-19 test to detect coronavirus antibodies beats the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method in delivering results within just 12 minutes, marking a milestone in the development of immunological diagnostics.

An international research team involving the University of Paraná (Paraná, Brazil) and the University of Tübingen (Tübingen, Germany) has developed the new rapid test that can reliably identify COVID-19 antibodies in the blood within minutes. More...
The new process is based on a simple measuring principle, making it easy to carry out without expensive instruments and is therefore, suitable for use at mobile testing centers or by laboratories in less economically developed regions. The new diagnostic method is also far faster than the ELISA procedure, which for decades has been seen as the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of antibodies.

The new test is based on magnetic nanoparticles that are coated with viral antigens. To conduct the test, blood serum or blood is applied to the test surface. After roughly two minutes, the nanoparticles are washed and treated with a developer reagent. If the blood sample displays antibodies to coronavirus, a color change occurs. While the traditional ELISA test produces results after about three hours, study results show that the new method only takes 12 minutes. Positive and negative results can be established simply with the naked eye, and by using additional instruments, such as a microplate reader, the precision of the test can be further increased. The total response time is 15 times shorter than that of the classic ELISA test, which means that hundreds of samples can be tested in just a few hours.

In addition, the study shows that the new technology can also be applied to the serological diagnosis of other diseases. There are no reports in research literature on an immunology test for COVID-19 that delivers data as quickly, as precisely and above all as cheaply. The researchers believe that it will be possible to offer the new test at a comparable price to the ELISA test in future.

“Only a small sample is needed for the test: a single drop that contains two microliters of serum is sufficient,” said the study’s lead author, Professor Luciano F. Huergo from the University of Paraná: “It’s also possible to use whole blood, in other words the separation of soluble blood components that is normally necessary can be omitted. It isn’t absolutely necessary to have a fully-equipped laboratory or use special equipment to carry it out.”

“Another advantage over the ELISA procedure is that the color result of our new procedure is directly proportional to the concentration of antibodies,” added Huergo. “In other words, the new method delivers data on the quantity of antibodies and not just whether any are present.”

Related Links:
University of Paraná
University of Tübingen



Gold Member
Multiplex Genetic Analyzer
MassARRAY Dx Analyzer (Europe only)
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
cDNA Synthesis Kit
Ultimate cDNA Synthesis Kit
New
Hepatitis A Rapid Test
Anti-HAV IgM Rapid Test Kit
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of the deep learning-based circulating exosome analysis for lung cancer detection (Photo courtesy of Chuan Xu, Cheng Jiang)

Liquid Biopsy Approach to Transform Diagnosis, Monitoring and Treatment of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer continues to be a major contributor to cancer-related deaths globally, with its biological complexity and diverse regulatory processes making diagnosis and treatment particularly difficult.... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The Aiforia Breast Cancer Grading AI solution is CE-IVD marked (Photo courtesy of Aiforia Technologies)

Clinical AI Solution for Automatic Breast Cancer Grading Improves Diagnostic Accuracy

Labs that use traditional image analysis methods often suffer from bottlenecks and delays. By digitizing their pathology practices, labs can streamline their work, allowing them to take on larger caseloads... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.