The automotive supplier Bosch also has a small medical technology division, and from there comes a surprising message: Bosch has developed a rapid test for corona infections. An infection can be identified within two and a half hours, directly on site, without transport routes that cost time and money.

“With the Covid 19 rapid test, we want to contribute to the rapid containment of the corona pandemic. Infected patients can be identified and isolated more quickly, “says Bosch CEO Volkmar Denner :” Time is one of the decisive factors in the fight against the virus. A reliable, quick diagnosis on site without detours – that is the great advantage of our solution.

While rapid tests on corona infections have so far had a reputation for being very inaccurate, Bosch is talking about the fact that results in various laboratory tests were achieved with an accuracy of more than 95 percent. “The rapid test meets the quality standards of the World Health Organization WHO,” says a message from Bosch.

The sample is taken from the nose or throat using a swab and placed in a cartridge that already contains all the reagents required for the test. This cartridge is immediately inserted into the analysis device, which, according to Bosch, is so user-friendly that no specially trained personnel are required.

Up to ten tests per device could be carried out within 24 hours. So far there are a few dozen of the analyzers in various laboratories and in the Robert Bosch Hospital in Stuttgart. It is said that capacities are available at Bosch at the medical technology location in Waiblingen for the production of the device.

The new test will initially be available in Germany from April. Bosch is currently examining how it can support doctors and nursing staff in medical facilities so that they can be tested promptly in order to remain operational for as long as possible, according to the Stuttgart-based company.

What is special about the test is that in addition to Covid-19, nine other respiratory diseases such as influenza A and B are also examined with the same sample. “Differential diagnostics also save doctors time for further tests, quickly provide them with a well-founded diagnosis and enable them to initiate suitable therapy more quickly,” said Marc Meier, Managing Director of Bosch Healthcare Solutions GmbH in the message. Bosch has developed the rapid test with the Northern Irish medical technology company Randox Laboratories Ltd.

When it comes to the cost of devices and tests, Bosch sees itself roughly at the level of other tests. Accordingly, each cartridge (and thus each test) costs a high double-digit euro amount, each analyzer a low five-digit amount.

Original in German: FAZ.net

Translated by Google Translate

Proof read by redditor /u/AlienApricot

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