Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

3M developing paper-based coronavirus test that could give results in minutes

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • 3M developing paper-based coronavirus test that could give results in minutes

    Tim Nelson
    Maplewood, Minn.
    July 14, 2020 6:00 a.m.

    Maplewood-based 3M says it is working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on a point-of-care test for the COVID-19 that could make diagnosing infections nearly as simple as a home pregnancy test.

    “It’s actually looking for proteins that can be found in or on the virus itself,” said project lead Dr. Cathy Tarnowski, in an interview on the effort. She says one of the problems to solve is what kind of sample to use, a nasal swab or saliva for example. “We’re looking at a few different bodily fluids, but we haven’t landed on one yet — those pieces go into understanding what the accuracy can be.”

    3M is trying to put that technology on paper — literally. It would provide a simple, disposable assay that any clinic can apply and interpret, even while a patient waits nearby. Tarnowski says part of 3M’s share of the research is focused in part on the more practical manufacturing process, aimed at meeting the NIH goal or making millions of the tests available weekly.

    ... The paper test is still in early development, but has been fast-tracked by the National Institutes of Health with an initial approval for research and $500,000 in research funds.

    Maplewood-based 3M says it is working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on a point-of-care test for the COVID-19 that could make diagnosing infections nearly as simple as a home pregnancy test.
Working...
X