COVID-19: Virological saliva test, EasyCOV confirms excellent results in 40 minutes

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 -- EasyCOV, a virological saliva detection test for COVID-19, has shown a sensitivity of 88 per cent and a specificity 99 per cent during a clinical trial performed at the testing centre operated by the teaching hospital of Montpellier.

According to a statement, the test relies on an optimised thermal protocol that provides results in 40 minutes.

EasyCOV, developed by SkillCell in collaboration with the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research), is a saliva test that can be run in the field and that provides results in the form of a change of colour.

Performed by a healthcare professional, the test requires the collection of 200 microlitres of saliva, approximately four drops, from under the patient’s tongue.

The sample is heated successively in two tubes using the nomadic heating device EasyVID (developed and produced by TRONICO, sister company of SkillCell). A test turning bright yellow indicates that the virus has been detected while an orange test is negative.

A double-blind clinical trial has been conducted at the teaching hospital of Montpellier, France, in real life conditions at the testing centre operated by the hospital.

During this clinical trial, nasopharyngeal and saliva samples were collected simultaneously and analysed via RT PCR. These two analyses were used as a basis to establish the infection status of the participants.

This analysis showed a sensitivity of 87.5 per cent and a specificity of 99.4 per cent for 220 participants, including 40 positive patients with and without symptoms.

More details at www.skillcell-alcen.com.

-- BERNAMA