The University of Macau successfully researched the nCoV virus detector for 30 minutes

The University of Macau successfully researched the device that can detect viruses in less than 30 minutes, including infection at an early stage.

After announcing the device on February 3, researchers from Macau University continued to track its accuracy.

"We have verified the accuracy of the device with nCoV models since this week. It is still too early to determine the final accuracy, but the initial results are encouraging , " said Mr. Lau Martins, Director said the director of the VLSI Key and Analog Signal Laboratory at the University of Macau.

The device helps to quickly detect nCoV virus.(Photo: University of Macau).

The new device, called "Virus Hunter" , was developed to detect all types of viruses, including HIV and hepatitis B, but is being refined to detect new corona viruses. According to Martins, the test kit is expected to be available in the next month or two.

The device works by collecting samples of nasal mucus, which are then placed in a chip. The chip is inserted into the device to read and display the output.

Martins cites four advantages that Virus Hunter has over other systems in the market.The device helps detect nCoV virus based on nucleic acids , giving more reliable results in detecting viruses at an early stage. Second, the results come in less than 30 minutes, compared to other systems in a few hours. Virus Hunter is a low-cost system that can be operated via a user-friendly computer interface. In addition, the technology being applied makes the risk of contamination low.

The kit is being tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in China.

In the wake of an outbreak of the new strain of coronary pneumonia, many research groups around the world are racing to find the device to help diagnose nCoV in the shortest possible time. On February 6, Hong Kong scientists introduced the nCoV detector for 40 minutes. On February 3, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe affirmed that Japan began developing rapid test kits for nCoV detection.

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