Ayyan Molecular Products in collaboration with Developing Health Pakistan and Institute of Allergy and Astma Pakistan has won UK Respire Grant to develop rapid COVID19 test locally in Pakistan. Director of Ayyan Molecular Products Dr Muhammad Qasim is one of leading CO-PI of Project and Co-Founder Direct Asad Ali as senior researcher to develop kit. As
the number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan continues to increase, so does the need for low cost, reliable and sensitive screening mechanisms.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are currently being used to diagnose cases of COVID-19 globally. There are a number of challenges around the use of PCR testing in Pakistan, including availability and accuracy, with reported false negative results. This has highlighted the urgent need for simple, rapid and inexpensive kits, developed in country, for mass scale screening.
Serological tests can be used to identify whether people have been exposed to the virus, including those that may be asymptomatic or have recovered, by looking at their immune response. By contrast, PCR tests can only indicate the presence of viral material during infection. Serological tests can therefore give greater information into the prevalence of a disease in a population and are essential in planning preventative strategies.
The ELISA based mechanism (a form of serological testing) does not require high-tech equipment and is easy to perform in frontline health care clinics and hospitals.
the number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan continues to increase, so does the need for low cost, reliable and sensitive screening mechanisms.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are currently being used to diagnose cases of COVID-19 globally. There are a number of challenges around the use of PCR testing in Pakistan, including availability and accuracy, with reported false negative results. This has highlighted the urgent need for simple, rapid and inexpensive kits, developed in country, for mass scale screening.
Serological tests can be used to identify whether people have been exposed to the virus, including those that may be asymptomatic or have recovered, by looking at their immune response. By contrast, PCR tests can only indicate the presence of viral material during infection. Serological tests can therefore give greater information into the prevalence of a disease in a population and are essential in planning preventative strategies.
The ELISA based mechanism (a form of serological testing) does not require high-tech equipment and is easy to perform in frontline health care clinics and hospitals.