miDiagnostics to pilot innovative, fast COVID-19 PCR testing solutions at Brussels Airport

In the past year miDiagnostics has been working on the development of an ultra-fast PCR test based on imec technology, to detect COVID-19, with a test result in less than 15 minutes. In cooperation with Brussels Airport, this nasal-swab ultra-fast PCR test, as well as the new breath sampler developed by imec and licensed by miDiagnostics, will be tested in practice during a study at the airport’s Test Centre. Imec was able to develop the technology thanks to the support of the Flemish minister of Innovation Hilde Crevits. Passengers who make use of the Test Centre will be offered the possibility to participate in this study, and to have an additional ultra-fast PCR test in addition to their own regular PCR test.

miDiagnostics now releases an ultra-fast PCR. The test, using a nasal swab, shows similar performance compared to the ‘classic PCR test’, but with a turnaround time of less than 15 minutes, a very short time even compared to the fast PCR tests today with a turnaround time of minimum three hours. This ultra-fast result is possible through miniaturization of the process, with a silicon chip, developed at imec, at the heart of this technology. The temperature cycling needed for DNA replication can be performed 20 times faster than a classical PCR, hence significantly shorten the PCR measurement time. Also, this technology is made highly scalable and requires only a very small instrument for read-out. Production for market launch is ongoing and all critical items are secured.

Furthermore, miDiagnostics is also exploring the compatibility of its ultra-fast PCR test with imec’s breath sampling technology, sampling aerosols and droplets from exhaled breath to screen for COVID-19. This novel technology was developed by imec and is now licensed by miDiagnostics for commercialization.

The sampler is based on imecs unique chip technology that was developed with specific financial support of Flemish minister of Innovation Hilde Crevits, and underwent clinical tests at the University Hospital and University of Leuven (KU Leuven). The breath sampling technology is capable of capturing the COVID-19 virus in exhaled air, and detecting the viral RNA quickly and reliably.

The ultra-fast PCR-test with nasal swab and the breath sampler will both be tested during a pilot in the Test Centre at Brussels Airport, in collaboration with Test Centre provider Ecolog and onsite lab operator Eurofins Labo Van Poucke.