A CORONAVIRUS test that will give someone results in under 10 minutes is among the innovative work being done at an Oxfordshire science hub.

Two life science organisations based at Culham Science Centre have developed tests that could be critical in the global fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sense Biodetection has announced an accelerated programme to launch a simple, self-contained, disposable test that uses a nasal swab to give a result in under ten minutes.

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Harry Lamble, chief executive officer at Sense, said: “Our Veros Covid-19 test product can allow infected patients to be isolated sooner whilst providing reassurance to uninfected individuals including healthcare workers that they can return to work without infecting others.

“Due to its flexibility, speed and accuracy, the test can be deployed for rapid patient triage within hospitals as well as primary care practices, pharmacies and community centres and even distributed for use by individuals in isolation who suspect they may have Covid-19.”

Sense is working to scale-up production of its test in order to meet the growing demand and anticipates the tests will be available 'within months'.

Oxford Mail:

A second company, GeneFirst, has developed a Covid-19 test, meanwhile, which has already been evaluated by Public Health England (PHE).

The real-time PCR test provides results in 90 minutes by using molecular diagnostic equipment in hospitals and research labs.

Winnie Wu, chief operating officer, said: “We are scaling up our production so that we can meet the demand for hospitals in the local area."

Oxford Mail:

GeneFirst initially provided free tests to China when the threat of the virus was first realised and is already working with the French authorities and distributors in Hungary and the Czech Republic.

The UK government is due to publish a list of approved COVID-19 test providers so that companies such as GeneFirst can help support NHS Trusts at a local level.

Other organisations at Culham Science Centre contributing to NHS trusts include Reaction Engines and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). Volunteer staff are involved in the production of protective face visors using 3D printers, which are being donated to NHS workers.

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Using six 3D printers, a team of volunteers will be printing two important components of the face shield; the headband and the bottom reinforcement.

The components will be packaged and shipped to a local hub where they will be assembled into full protective face shields and distributed directly to frontline staff.

Dawn Russell, commercial property manager at Culham Science Centre, said: “In these extraordinary times, we are extremely proud to be providing a safe environment to support the inspiring and innovative work of Sense Biodetection and GeneFirst along with on-site volunteers who are repurposing their engineering skills to help the NHS.”