Microfluidic device for detection of COVID-19 detection in hospitals and medical labs

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 is the current most prominent global health problem. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of disease is one of the most important factors in eliminating the spread of the virus;developing countries are currently facing many problems related to the high cost of PCR tests for COVID-19. Purpose(s) To develop a fast, accurate and low-cost method for making a PCR test for COVID-19. Method(s) The method was based on the use of the RPA (Recombinase Polymerase Amplification) method. By making a microfluidic device including restored (RPA) Mixture and immobilised probes designed for the RPA reaction to take place inside. The experiments were conducted on 20 clinical samples, and conducted at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University. Result(s) The results were identical in approximately 90% of the samples used and results were available after 30 minutes at normal room temperature. The results were read by measuring the level of the precipitate of the RPA reaction products resulting from the interaction of the reaction mixture with the Viral RNA. Conclusion(s) This method is considered one of the fastest ways to detect COVID19 infection and it is the least expensive and can be used in developing countries and as point-of-care testing.