Thermo Fisher rolls out point-of-care RT-PCR test for Covid-19 in India

"Since the start of the pandemic, Thermo Fisher has acted quickly to provide support to the scientists and healthcare professionals at the frontlines of combating COVID-19," said Amit Chopra, managing director, India and South Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

"Thermo Fisher's new testing platform combines the accuracy of RT-PCR with the simplicity, convenience, and procedural familiarity of traditional rapid immunoassays. The Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test is natural extension to our existing offerings and will significantly help to meet the continuing demands for rapid and reliable COVID-19 testing in India."

RT-PCR testing is streamlined from start to finish using a fully integrated, single-use microfluidic test cassette and the reusable, palm-sized Accula Dock. The test uses nasal swab samples and provides reliable, qualitative results in approximately 30 minutes.

The Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test is enabled by proprietary PCR technology that allows for reduced absolute temperatures and reduced temperature differentials—resulting in rapid exponential amplification while reducing overall thermocycling times.

"The rapid Accula point-of-care test will open new avenues of personal and public testing without compromising on accuracy," added Amit. "The introduction of the test in India is a demonstration of the impact our solutions have on human health during the pandemic, and far beyond."

In January 2021, Thermo Fisher acquired Mesa Biotech Inc., which developed the Accula SARS-CoV-2 Test to provide accurate and faster results at the point of care.