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Development of a fluorescent-based serological testing for COVID-19

COVID-19 Research Area(s): Diagnostics, Genomics & Transmission Dynamics, Epidemiology & Public Health, Equipment & Technology Innovations

There is a critical need for a rapid, simple, and accurate way to detect latent, ongoing or past viral infection by SARS-CoV-2. Knowing the population seroconversion rate (the presence of anti- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the blood) is critical for accurate epidemiological models, with major social and economic implications such de-risking front-line workers, new policies around social and prevention measures, and better preparation in case of virus re-emergence.

Our goal is to develop a high-throughput serodiagnostic assay formatted in a microfluidic device to enable detection of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 within 5 minutes using finger capillary blood samples. The detection of antibodies is essential for both diagnosis and to show how many people have had the disease, including those whose symptoms were minor or who were asymptomatic. This information in turn is essential to determine the prevalence of the virus in the global population but also to identify breakout clusters to rapidly establish tailored countermeasures.

Collaboration opportunities:
We are interested in collaborators that can help in the large-scale production, commercialization and regulations of the serological tests that we are developing.
Post date: 
Jun 10, 2020