Diagnostics

The COVID-19 innovative testing program aims to improve testing technology for SARS-CoV-2. Examples include the post-market validation of point-of-care diagnostic kits (approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration), one-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with no extraction of RNA required, enhancing throughput pooling, and the role of serology in clinical management. Scientists have also developed and validated a rapid molecular test called the N1-STOP-LAMP test, or STOP-LAMP, that’s shown 100 per cent accuracy in diagnosing COVID-19 through a nasal swab in 20 minutes. The team is also piloting mobile COVID-19 testing capability in Melbourne, which will utilise the STOP-LAMP test.