Bosch claims it has invented a fully-automated test that diagnoses respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, in under two-and-a-half hours. The test, working on Bosch Healthcare Solutions’ Vivalytic analysis device, can be performed directly at points of care – eliminating the need to transport samples. Patients may also be isolated onsite, reducing the ability of the virus to spread further.
The German manufacturer’s device can be used in all medical institutions, and meets quality standards issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). It can perform ten tests per 24 hours, and can be used by medical staff who have not specifically trained with it before. The company will debut the test at its Robert Bosch Hospital in Stuttgart, before seeking other use cases.
“The special feature of the Bosch test is that it offers differential diagnosis, which saves doctors the additional time needed for further tests. It also provides them with a reliable diagnosis quickly so they can then begin suitable treatment faster,” says Marc Meier, president of Bosch Healthcare Solutions.
Bosch’s announcement comes alongside a WHO warning that the United States could become the Coronavirus’ new epicenter. Over 70,000 cases have been recorded in the US, leading to 1,000 deaths. New York has 30,000 cases alone, with governor Andrew Cuomo pleading the federal government for more testing kits, ventilators and other equipment.
“We want the Bosch rapid COVID-19 test to play a part in containing the coronavirus pandemic as quickly as possible. It will speed up the identification and isolation of infected patients,” says Dr. Volkmar Denner, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch.