Rapid and easy- test for Coronavirus infections

The coronavirus outbreak in 2019 (Cov-19) has challenged the global healthcare system to contain a virus with unprecedented contagious capabilities. A major aspect for controlling the Coronavirus pandemic is the implementation of tools that allow rapid screening of patients at the healthcare centers and not only. Fast and accurate diagnosis of early infections will facilitate the clinical management of the virus, and will improve patients' prognosis. The diagnostic gold standard for Coronavirus is the RNA detection of pharyngeal swab specimen by RT-PCR. However, the limitations of time, need of devices and specialized personnel to perform RT-PCR, combined with the rapid spread and universal susceptibility to the general population, make this diagnostic technique incompatible with the urgent medical needs. Moreover, the number of RT PCR kits available are limited and the production cannot cope with the high demand. The main objective of this study is to develop a rapid, easy and economical screening test for Coronavirus with the capability to achieve results in less than one hour, with high sensitivity and specificity. The test will be used to screen asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic individuals, which can risk community transmission to population categories at a higher risk (elderly with underlying conditions, among others). Corona-Test is a lateral flow strip test similar to the well-known pregnancy test. Herein, we are aiming to validate the diagnostic accuracy and screening efficacy of Corona-Test. This strategy could provide the means to prevent and control the disease. The objective of this project will be to bring the test to market within 12 months.