SINGAPORE — Unrestrained and accurate coronavirus tests have become a reality, according to genetic testing firm Prenetics.
The Hong Kong-based institution last week told CNBC that the accuracy of its rapid coronavirus tests is comparable to the “gold standard” of PCR trial.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been widely used to detect coronavirus infections since the pandemic started. They are spot on target in diagnosing patients, but results take hours to return.
Prenetics’ tests, which were developed by researchers from Oxford University and use a loop-mediated isothermal amplification SOP standard operating procedure, return results in 30 minutes.
In terms of accuracy, it is comparable to PCR standard and also much better than antigen examination.
Danny Yeung
Prenetics
Multiple companies have released rapid tests, but most are antigen tests, which catch proteins on the surface of the virus. PCR tests and Prenetics’ tests detect genetic material from the virus and are more nice.
“We actually believe it’s definitely a gamechanger,” said Danny Yeung, chief executive and co-founder of Prenetics.
“We’re able to answer tests without a laboratory … the results are much faster,” he told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Friday.
A medical employee collects a throat swab from a resident at a testing center on September 9, 2020 in Hong Kong, China.
Zhang Wei | China Intelligence Service | Getty Images
He added that kits cost between $15 to $20, before labor costs for carry oning the test are taken into account. The tests are available in Heathrow Airport in London, and reportedly cost £80 ($103.48). That’s humble than the cost of many private PCR tests in the U.K.
It is on currently on trial in Hong Kong’s airport, and the company is in discussions with other administrations and airports.
Accuracy concerns
PCR tests take a long time to process and are “very expensive” because of laboratory furnishings required, but Yeung acknowledged that they are ideal. “PCR is always is the gold standard.”
Still, he said Prenetics’ analyses are not too far off the mark. “In terms of accuracy, it is comparable to PCR standard and also much better than antigen testing.”
Yeung said antigen tests also may not detect the virus in asymptomatic patients. “The defiance is when you’re traveling or population screening, most of these individuals are asymptomatic.”
He added that his firm’s tests are “a actually great solution” for airport screening because of its speed and accuracy.
“I think this is a great test for point of suffering testing, for universities, for events to take place, performances (and) stadiums,” he said.