ViruTest

Inspiration

Have you faced the inability of elderly, poor or isolated symptomatic people to receive a COVID-19 testing? Have you faced the inability of the local physicians from distant regions to test COVID-19 suspected patients? Have you faced the inability of the authorities to isolate the infected persons and stop the dissemination of the COVID-19 due to a lack of diagnostic capabilities? As a molecular virologist, I know that the rapid testing is the only way for screening and massive diagnostics of COVID-19. The highly trained personnel and the specialised PCR equipment are not available in the poorest and most distant places in EU. But how to choose the most reliable, safe and easily handled rapid tests?

What it does

The ViruTest project comprises in one place a quality control centre for rapid tests research and assessment and a web based platform for information of the rapid test quality results, detailed and translated instructions for self-testing and delivery options.

The quality control centre for SARS-CoV-2 rapid test assessments and comparison will: research and select fast test producers using different methods; perform quality control of the most suitable, safe and easy-to-use tests for self-testing or tested by the local healthcare providers; used validated and approved tests for the quality control.
The second part is establishing a web based platform and a mobile app with reliable information about: the results of rapid test quality control; SARS-CoV-2 and other related diseases; remote medical consultation and contacts; instruction for use and rapid tests shipment

ViruTest will reach to the people living in every part of the world where there is a lack of health care providers or the medical specialists are working hundreds of kilometres away.

How I built it

I built the idea facing all the difficulties in COVID-19 management and diagnostics, especially for people living in poor small towns and villages all over the world.

Challenges I ran into

Working by myself. Searching for the QC lab equipment. Finding web developers and data scientists.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

There is a need of more independent organisations like ViruTest that do research and quality control of the COVID-19 rapid test producers.

What I learned

The molecular PCR tests that are standards for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics are not applicable in the poorest and distant regions.Evaluated and reliable rapid tests will reduce the problem with false positive/negative results. The platform will help to be selected the best tests for massive on-site testing. We need to act quickly and try to reach the most distant places gathering experts in different fields for ViruTest realisation

What's next for ViruTest

Searching for collaborations, investments and funding for part of the quality centre equipment that is still missing and the platform development. Start collecting the samples, research of the rapid test manufacturers and team-building. We can bring quality and help most of the regions beating COVID-19. The platform and app can cross borders and reach to YOU.