A new test that can diagnose Covid-19 in just 15 minutes has been developed in Belgium.

The “antigenic” test reacts to viral proteins in samples taken from the upper part of the throat behind the nose and comes in the form of blotting paper, similar to that used in pregnancy tests.

If rolled out, the new coronavirus test could lead to confirmed cases being treated quicker and fewer laboratory tests being needed, the RTBF broadcaster reported.

Molecular biology tests carried out in the laboratory are more accurate but more expensive and take much longer.

A trial last week with 250 people found that seven out of ten patients with Covid-19 tested positive with the new test. While the test is only thought to be about 70 percent effective, Belgian health authorities certified it for sale.

The fast test was developed by Coris BioConcept, which is based in Gembloux, Belgium, with a number of universities and research partners.