UK-based point-of-care diagnostic solutions provider Intelligent Fingerprinting has introduced a new saliva test for Covid-19.
Designed to provide results in 20 minutes, the VSS-GP is a lateral flow test that uses a saliva sample to rapidly detect the SARS-CoV-2 antigen.
The firm’s test uses a simple swab to collect a saliva sample from the inside of the cheek compared to existing Covid-19 tests that use invasive nose and throat swabs.
An easy saliva sample collection of the new Covid-19 test makes it suitable for testing more vulnerable people and children, said the company.
The Covid-19 saliva test is designed for use in various places, including schools, workplaces, public events, care homes, healthcare, airports and prisons.
Intelligent Fingerprinting executive chairman Philip Hand said: “It is important to make Covid-19 testing as easy and comfortable as possible, particularly as frequent and simplified testing will continue to play a key role in the global response to the pandemic.
“In developing our new Covid-19 saliva test, we have successfully combined the benefits of much simpler sample collection with high levels of accuracy using our existing technology.”
Intelligent Fingerprinting is finalising the technical file to apply the CE mark for the product under the In Vitro Diagnostics Directive, as well as plans to transition to the In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation for European CE marking for professional and self-test use.
The test consists of a four-part kit with 50 single-use COPAN CE-marked swabs for saliva collection, 50 single-use plastic collection tubes with lids, 50 single-use VSS-GP SARS-CoV2 test strips and a dropper bottle with the reagent buffer.
By inserting the tip of the VSS-GP test strip into the sample, the screening test will be conducted to deliver a positive or negative result within 20 minutes.
The gold immunonanoparticle technology is used by the test to facilitate the visual detection of bound antigen through a control line and a red line on the test strip when a saliva sample is positive for the SARS-CoV-2 antigen.
Based in Cambridge of England, Intelligent Fingerprinting is said to be the manufacturer of the world’s first and only fingerprint sweat drug test.
