Indonesian researchers have successfully developed a COVID-19 testing kit that claims to detect the presence of the virus within 15 minutes of check and have a specificity level of 96 percent. The government has also given green light to mass production of the new kit.
The ‘New’ Indonesian kit, which is to be branded with the name “RI GHA”, is a culmination of the work done by Indonesia’s Technology Assessment and Application Agency (BPPT), Bandung Institute of Technology (BIT), Airlangga University, and Gadjah Mada University.
With many countries striving hard to find a COVID-19 testing kit, there have been some parts of the globe that have shown better results in the past two months. And compared to the Chinese COVID-19 testing kits, Indonesia has met some grade of expectations.
“Our kits are of superior quality than the foreign products,” says BPPT Chairman
In an interview given on Sunday evening, the BPPT Chairman Hammam Riza shared some insights into the institution and how they have worked upon the clinical trials of their new kit. According to him, “RI GHA” is a superior test kit as compared to many foreign products.
It has undergone a series of clinical trials taken under a safe medical environment. Riza also pointed out that “RI GHA” is a final product of the many Coronavirus strains observed in the country. And with many trials, their final product will contain a higher percentage of compatibility with domestic patients than the foreign ones.
According to the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, “RI GHA” comes with a sensitivity performance of 98 percent and offers 96 percent specificity. A general test can be carried out with plasma, blood samples, or serum. And within 15 minutes, the test results will be in your hand.
Pricing and availability
The price of a single unit of the testing kit will be around 75,000 Indonesian Rupiah or Rs 390 (Indian). Meanwhile, when asked about the availability, the Chairman assured the users to expect the testing kit soon. The institution can engage in mass production at a short period.
Bambang Brodjonegoro, Indonesian Research, and Technology Minister shared that the tool has received approval for production. As of now, two major companies are working in their production. The minister also urged national and international firms to invest and support the chain to fasten the supply and trade throughout the world.
India stands at 2nd position on World tally with over 8.7 lakh total cases
According to statistics, India has a recovery rate of 63% and the mortality rate is 2.6%. But amid all these small wins, a specific timeline or deadline for a vaccine cannot be given now. Recently, India reported a mega spike of 28,701 fresh COVID-19 positive patients in the last 24 hours.
As of July 13, India has reported 8.74 lakh total cases and 3 lakh active ones. About 5.5 lakh patients have recovered so far and unwanted toll counts 23,174. India stands at #2 position in the worldwide tally of the Coronavirus cases, succeeding Brazil and preceded by the US.
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