Getting Coronavirus tests down to 15 mins
As part of the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus by reducing the time for receiving Corona test results, Israel’s Ministry of Health and Magen David Adom a pilot scheme at the MDA “Drive and Test” complex in Lod attempting to test results within 15 minutes.
Testing station
The average time to receive results is 48-72 hours, depending on a laboratory’s workload and the number of daily tests.
The pilot began at the MDA “Drive and Test” in Lod in the presence of Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Deputy Health Minister MK Yoav Kisch who have personally checked the program from the beginning.
Magen David Adom, Israel’s National Emergency Medical and Blood Services Organization, which was chosen to take the samples for the trial, set up a dedicated mobile laboratory at the “Drive and Test” facility using mobile laboratory technology developed by “Sofia”.
The system brings innovative technology of speed and mobility and can be adapted for use in specific locations which require a more rapid response such as nursing homes, military bases, airports and more.
Only those who come with a referral from their physician for a Corona test are sampled. Participants are requested to allow for two tests to be obtained at the same time – one regular and for the rapid laboratory, with the results attached to a test sent to the lab and tested for comparison with the regular test.
A dedicated computing platform will monitor the tests, decryption times and treatment pace. The results will be forwarded to the Ministry of Health and after the results are completed and evaluated, the expansion of the trial will be determined.
MDA Medical Director’s Dr Rafael Strugo said:”We at MDA believe that the cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the trial will yield results in the field, shorten the wait times and make the testing process more efficient and simpler for all parties – testers and patients. Rapid results will make it possible to increase the range of tests and thus more effectively track and manage the spread of the virus.
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein added: “In recent days, we have crossed the 30,000 mark of tests per day, thanks in part to the My Heritage lab we put into operation. Towards winter, the number of tests must be significantly increased and the time until results reduced. These will help us break the chain of infection. The Ministry of Health is working tirelessly on this.
