2detect | 01.10.2022 until 31.12.2023 | Fraunhofer-Zukunftsstiftung & Crowdfunding
Flu and Covid have alike symptoms, e.g. fever, cough or cold, but require a different treatment. A better diagnosis with a following correct treatment is especially important for high-risk groups, such as the elderly, people with pre-existing condition and children under the age of 5.
To be safe, PCRs may be used in such cases, but this method is laborious, expensive and time-consuming. So high infection rates quickly lead to overload of medical staff in test centers as well as in laboratories. As a consequence, valuable time is lost.
For this reason, Fraunhofer IME is developing a 2in1 test that can distinguish between covid and influenza simultaneously, reliably and quickly. The test is based on the so-called LAMP technique (loop-mediated isothermal amplification). It is more sensitive and reliable than the antigen rapid test known from test centers, but easier and faster than the gold standard PCR – in a manner of speaking it’s the golden mean!
A test for the different SARS-CoV2 variants is already developed. In this project this test should be combined with the detection of Influenza. So this 2in1 test can quickly distinguish between the two pathogens and answer the question: Is it Covid or Flu?
So far, the LAMP technique has not yet arrived in routine diagnostics. This 2in1 test shall change that. The quick and easy procedure enables use directly on site, for example in doctors’ offices or nursing homes. Long waiting times and high costs are avoided and targeted, proper treatment can start sooner. The 2in1 Covid and Flu Test should make a valuable contribution to ensure that this important differential diagnosis reaches many people.
Winning project in the Crowdfunding Competition 2022 »ScienceForGood« of Fraunhofer-Zukunftsstiftung