Challenge
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Although rapid COVID-19 tests already exist on the market (i.e. antigen and antibody tests) there are serious concerns about the accuracies of these tests, particularly with asymptomatic carriers; antigen and antibody tests are also subject to decreasing accuracy as mutations occur. Nucleic acid tests (i.e. PCR) remain the only clinically approved tests for COVID-19 and are the de facto gold standard of testing.
However, PCR (and derivatives such as LAMP) require expensive machinery, trained personnel and laboratories and are difficult to scale-up to the numbers needed as a global testing solution for the current pandemic.
In short, we need an alternative to PCR technology; REPViT provides that solution.
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The REPViT solution offers an alternative to either of the other diagnostics technologies (antigen, antibody or PCR) by offering a PCR in the pocket.
Imagine a scenario where everyone can self-diagnose for a wide range of infections differentiating between SARS-Cov-2, the flu or a simple cold without having to go to see the doctor or hospital and monitor the progress of their infection in the comfort of their own home. Imagine when you go to see your doctor the diagnostic test helps him/her to determine the right course of treatment, reducing the risk of mis-diagnosis. Imagine going to the pharmacy and the pharmacist can give you the correct over-the-counter medication based on a quick diagnostic test, not second guessing symptoms which may be the same as for other infections. Imagine REPViT.
REPViT Test Procedure
REPViT technology is easy to use since it only requires four comfortable steps to know if you are infected. A self-test that can be carried out anywhere, without needing any type of laboratory or trained personnel.
Step 1: Add saliva to the device until the fill line
Step 2: Twist funnel on the device to seal, shake and wait (15 mins)
Step 3: Look at the colour change against the chart and using the dedicated mobile app (Android/iOS/Windows compatible)
Step 4: Get on with your life or contact the health centre.
The device results can be connected to a dedicated mobile application, which can automatically report the result of the test to the relevant health authority or when travelling immigration authority, allowing full integration and a joined-up response from indviduals to health services.
REPViT Mobile App
REPViT also offers an optional off-the-shelf mobile phone lateral flow app, outsourcing administration and data handling, offering tracing and reporting for use in schools, travel and immigration. Unique QR code linked each specific test.
A unique QR code is linked to each specific test. This code enables a camera-based result confirmation and registering. In this way, the app ensures confidentiality and user control over data dissemination.
At the same time, the user can decide the level of personal data is entered and disclosed and to whom:
- Passport number (for travel and immigration linked to proposed IATA system)
- Health insurance number (for reporting to the insurer)
- Specifically for SARS-Cov-2 it could be linked to the national reporting apps
- Result could also be reported automatically to national authorities using LOINC and SNOMED codes.
- Data could be monetised and provide long term health profile of individuals and populations for Covid-19, Influenza and other diseases tested by platform
THE TECHNOLOGY
The technology behind the device is based on nanoparticles. The technology detects the RNA genome causing a simple colour change of agglomerated nanoparticles indicating the presence of a given infectious agent.
This is a platform technology that can easily be adapted to Influenza and other viral and bacterial infections.
