Posted on 08/18/2020 11:08:45 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Israeli scientists are testing a new ultra-fast gargle-and-spit test for coronavirus on hundreds of patients, and report that so far it is proving 95-percent accurate.
The developers have built a USB-powered machine the size of an ashtray, which takes just one second to conduct light analysis of mouthwash that a patient has gargled.
They are about halfway through a trial of 400 people at Israel’s largest hospital, Sheba Medical Center, and say that if accuracy levels continue to impress, they expect it to become available internationally by the end of the year.
The innovation team, drawn from Sheba and the Newsight imaging company, says that the technology has the potential to replace PCR testing, which includes an unpleasant swabbing process and requires lengthy lab analysis, as the main screening method used worldwide. PCR tests are believed to be around 80% accurate. Accelerated PCR testing, the fastest current method, is not widely available and with a 15-minute turnaround at its best, comes at a financial cost and with a reduction in accuracy levels.
“This system is very rapid, cheap, and is looking reliable,” Prof. Eli Schwartz, head of the trial and of Sheba’s Center for Geographic Medicine, told The Times of Israel. “It’s suitable for mass screening, as well as airport screening, screening at nursing homes, and even screening at home.”
He added: “The idea is to mostly replace PCR tests, especially in places where you need mass screening.” Schwartz said that the system will give highly accurate positive-negative results, and PCR testing will only be needed if results are borderline, or if medical professionals need detailed information on the viral load, which his test will not provide.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesofisrael.com ...
Leave it to the Israelis. Smart folks...
Gee, I hope it is true.
Te ones they are using here are only supposedly about 60% accurate. (up from the 80% defective of the first batches). Mostly false positives, with a few false negatives.
What?
No longer need a 2x4 wrapped in a gunny sack, shoved 4 inches up your nostrils - both sides?
I’m deeply saddened...
NOT!
I guess that Israel doesn’t have an FDA.
RE: I guess that Israel doesn’t have an FDA.
Israel has 3 separate divisions each handling its own mandate.
The Pharmaceutical Administration, the Medical Devices Department, and the Food & Nutrition Services of the Israel Ministry of Health.
See here:
In trial, Israeli gargle test gives COVID-19 results in 1 second, at 95% accuracy; Their invention could become the world’s standard screening method
I wonder if Talib and the rest of her ilk will demand that the world boycott this, and every thing else from Israel?
Mark
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