PCR tests could be replaced with new 10-minute tests at airports

Researchers have developed a new Covid-19 test that is designed to provide results in less than 10 minutes, a breakthrough that could transform the current testing process for international travel. A team from the University of Birmingham has found that the test, called RTF-EXPAR, is “just as sensitive” in detecting the virus as PCR tests, and detects low levels of Covid-19 – which lateral flow or antigen tests cannot. Results are produced in rapid time, reported to be under 10 minutes, and the tests could be used at airport terminals. Professor Tim Dafforn, who is working on the project, said: “An ideal test would be one that is both sufficiently sensitive and speedy – our test, called RTF-EXPAR, achieves this goal.” His team from the university’s Surgical Research Laboratory plans to publish full results of its research “in the future” and are reportedly looking for commercial partners to license the test and make it widely available to the public.<br/>