Researchers at GSU developing new COVID-19 test that gives results in just minutes

ATLANTA — Researchers say they could soon find a way to deliver COVID-19 test results in minutes, with near-perfect accuracy.

As coronavirus testing soars in Georgia the wait times for results are getting longer — in some case a week or more.

That means if someone is infected, they can continue spreading the virus for days before finding out they're a carrier.

But Channel 2′s Tom Regan has learned research is underway that could virtually eliminate the wait.

“If you do a test that takes seven days to get the result out, it doesn’t help as much. But if you get a result in 10 minutes, then you can make a proper decision,” said Georgia State chemistry professor Gangli Wong.

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With the help of a rapid response grant from the National Science Foundation, Wong and a partner are developing a simplified testing method to speed up the detection of COVID-19.

It uses electrochemistry to detect genetic sequences of molecules unique to the virus... in very tiny samples.

“In this way, we can do a minimal sample treatment. That way we could save a lot of time,” Wong said.

The professor told Regan that the testing method would virtually eliminate false positive tests, a major flaw in many current COVID testing procedures.

“If you carry the virus low, we can still detect it. And if someone doesn’t have it, we don’t give a false alarm,” Wong said.

He said the ultimate goal is to have a test that mimics how diabetics check their glucose each day, only in this case, you're checking for COVID.

“You could do the test at home with saliva or a nasal swap,” Wong said.

One woman Regan spoke with said she hopes researchers succeed, and soon.

“I think that’s ground breaking, and the more people know about their status, it will prevent the spread of COVID,” the woman said.

Wong said they could have primary finding on the effectiveness of the new COVID testing method in a few months.

Judge orders Atlanta mayor, governor into mediation over mask mandate In an afternoon news conference, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms addressed the latest developments on the lawsuit between Gov. Brian Kemp and Bottoms, along with the Atlanta City Council, over the city?s mask mandate and business restrictions.

Cox Media Group