Developing a fast, low-cost COVID-19 test

This research aims to develop and validate novel technology for a rapid, sensitive and cost-effective detection of SARS-CoV-2 (or COVID-19 virus) antigen from standard swab collections. If successful, this potential SARS-CoV-2 antigen test could be provided as a point-of-care benchtop automated platform to be used by non-specialised staff, allowing rapid and low-cost population-scale screening and monitoring, including screening patients and staff members of hospitals such as the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. It could allow earlier, efficient and effective isolation of infected individuals, as well as improve contact trace protocols, minimise infection spread and prevent subsequent lockdowns. This research project is a joint effort from Queensland Health (RBWH/ Path QLD), Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology (SNP; Sonic Healthcare) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Many of the team are nationally and internationally renowned clinical, academic and scientific leaders.