Emirates develops an innovative rapid laser testing tool for coronavirus detection
QuantLase Imaging Lab, the medical research department of International Holdings Company (IHC), which is listed on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, said it has evolved a novel laser-based technology that allows mass screening in a short period of time to determine whether a person is infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease.
With this step, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is consolidating its position as an innovative reference in health research and the fight against COVID-19. This new development makes it possible to test patients suspected of being infected by the coronavirus in a few seconds and potentially identify carriers before they become infectious. This great advance will allow a 'mass screening', thus enhancing the traceability carried out by the Emirate's health authorities and the speed of action in the fight against the pandemic that is devastating the whole world. The new technology aims to discover those who have the coronavirus before they become infectious, which may be crucial in containing the spread of the virus. The QuantLase laboratory has been studying the change in the cellular structure of blood infected by the virus during this procedure. The equipment, which uses a complementary metal oxide semiconductor, "will allow 'mass screening' with results available in seconds," said Dr. Pramod Kumar, who leads the lab's research team.
Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser al-Owais, UAE's Minister of Health and Prevention, referred with pride and hope to the country's new contribution: "We are always following innovations related to the early and rapid detection of COVID-19. The government is very keen to support initiatives that will help the health system in the UAE. Health officials have been following the progress of the QuantLase trials to test this equipment. We are proud to see a technology that works and will help better protect our people".
"The equipment, which uses a CMOS detector, will allow large-scale testing with results available in seconds," said Dr Pramod Kumar, head of the laboratory that has been studying the change in the cell structure of blood infected with the virus, in statements collected by the Emirate news agency WAM. "In fact, our DPI (Diffractive Phase Interferometry) technique, based on laser and optical phase modulation, is capable of detecting the footprint of the infection in a few seconds. In addition, it is easy to use, non-invasive and economical. The device is suitable for use not only in hospitals and public places such as cinemas and shopping malls, but, with some practical training, can be used for testing and monitoring at home. We believe it will be a change in scenario to address the spread of the coronavirus," Kumar said.
Dr. Pramod Kumar also provided more details about the process, in statements collected by The National: "With the first 1,000 tests, we refined our experiment and then applied it to the rest of the trials. The process went through several stages, and more recently it was being tested on a large scale, in line with current testing procedures".
On the relevance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnostic system, Dr. Kumar noted that an advanced AI image analysis model allows the outcome of each image to be predicted with accuracy, speed, and scale. This is especially critical in mass testing programs, where large numbers of samples need to be analyzed accurately and effectively. The laboratory involved is using G42, a leading AI and cloud computing company, to further improve this laser technology.
Nader Ahmed al-Hammadi, a member of the IHC Board of Directors, also spoke of the progress in positive and proud terms: "IHC is proud to contribute to the strong efforts made by the UAE leadership in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, especially in terms of testing and awareness".
The laboratory hopes to be able to launch the product on the market in a few months, as Dr. Pramod Kumar added, who also spoke about the speed of the process: "As far as early detection is concerned, our IPR technique is capable of detection as soon as the blood cell becomes infected. Our goal is to eventually reach the highest level of accuracy".
This rapid laser test is non-invasive, another advantage in addition to the fact that it provides diagnostic results in a few seconds; and, in addition, it is easy to use and has a low relative cost. It is intended to replace the current swab and blood tests that take several hours to process.
The new device is suitable for use not only in hospitals and public places, such as cinemas and shopping malls, but with its forthcoming implementation it can be used for on-site testing and monitoring.
The Emirates is playing a major role globally in the fight against the coronavirus and in international cooperation to tackle COVID-19, a plague that is leaving hundreds of thousands of dead and millions infected across the globe. The Middle Eastern country is working hard to support other nations in mitigating the effects of the dreaded coronavirus, and its collaboration is now reaching 47 countries.
The aid provided to date to these 47 countries consists of about 530 tons of medical supplies and food, in addition to assistance related to more than 523,000 health personnel, according to data provided by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
