Bosch has developed a new rapid COVID-19 test in collaboration with R-Biopharm

Bosch, in collaboration with R-Biopharm, has developed a new rapid COVID-19 test, which has a specificity of one hundred per cent, a claimed sensitivity of ninety-eight per cent and is said to be the fastest polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test globally.

The test, which provides quick and accurate results in thirty-nine minutes, is intended for use with Bosch’s Vivalytic analysis, an automated molecular laboratory diagnostics cartridge device designed to test multiple samples using a variety of analytical methods.

Currently, when using the latest test, it is possible to assess five samples in one test cartridge simultaneously.

To conduct a test, a sample is taken from the patient’s throat or nose using a swab and placed in the test cartridge. Following this, the test cartridge is inserted into the Vivalytic device for automated analysis.

The test is currently available in Europe and the UK.

Anja Karliczek, Federal Minister for Education and Research, stated: “The improved testing procedure developed by Bosch with the BMBF’s support has the potential to be a tremendous help with this complex job. The rapid improvement of our technological capabilities shows what innovative achievements German companies can deliver in times of crisis.”