How it works: Faster, cheaper COVID-test using laser in Abu Dhabi

UAE

Login / Sign Up

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Gold / Forex

How it works: Faster, cheaper COVID-test using laser in Abu Dhabi

The so-called DPI test uses light, and is faster, cheaper than PCR

Published: August 12, 2020 17:23 Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor

1 of 12

NAT 200803 DPI SCREEN TEST ARAMZAN 25-1597145038706 — OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: The UAE now offers drive-through laser-based COVID-19 test at seven facilities. The test centres are operated by Abu Dhabi’s public health provider, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha). The centres offer testing for COVID-19 using a laser-based technology developed in Abu Dhabi. The UAE was also the first country in the Middle East to introduce drive-through test facilities using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology in March. Image Credit:

2 of 12

NAT DPI SCREEN TEST177-1596622907247 — ALTERNATIVE TO PCR:The technique, known as Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI), looks for specific inflammation markers caused by COVID-19 infection in a sample. For years, researchers had been developing a laser-based reader to detect bacteria and even cancer. Now, in Abu Dhabi, an ultra-sensitive light-based sensor had been “repurposed” to detect coronavirus. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

3 of 12

NAT DPI SCREEN TEST15-1596622935909 — GAME-CHANGER TEST: It is different from PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and antibody tests. The laser testing technology is highly accurate, according to its proponents. DPI is considered advanced and reliable enough to help in a mass screening drive. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

4 of 12

Abu Dhabi’s laser-based test gives results within minutes and is now being used to speed up COVID-19 diagnosis at special testinng tents in dfferent areas of Abu Dhabi as well as in Ghantoot, the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. — RESULTS WITHIN MINUTES: Abu Dhabi’s laser-based test gives results within minutes and is now being used to speed up COVID-19 diagnosis at special testing tents in different areas of the emirate. Using what is called "nanophotonic biosensors", based on a specialised complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), it detects virus antigens (molecules that trigger immune reaction) using miniaturised chips. Image Credit: WAM

5 of 12

NAT DPI SCREEN TEST165-1596622938560 — ADVANTAGE: A resident gets the 5-minute DPI test done at the Ghantoot Rapid testing facility on Dubai-Abu Dhabi border. DPI presents a number of advantages compared to traditional antibody test, which tend to kick up high rates of "false negatives". Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

6 of 12

NAT DPI SCREEN TEST163-1596622917721 — NANOSENSOR: The nanosensor can detect robinucleic acid (RNA) strands that identify SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, the test detects changes in the cellular structure when infected by the virus, explained Dr. Pramod Kumar, who leads the research team. Therefore, it detects COVID-19 in humans as soon as it is present in the body. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

7 of 12

OPN 200812 UAE TESTS — BORDER TEST: A paramedic staff at a screening centre in Ghantoot on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border. While the PCR test is highly accurate, but takes hours or days to process samples. DPI, on the other hand, gives results in minutes. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

8 of 12

NAT 200803 DPI SCREEN TEST ARAMZAN 15-1597145035847 — FASTER ALTERNATIVE TO PCR: The DPI tests are an alternative to the traditional PCR tests for COVID-19, which take longer to yield results compared to the five minutes taken for the rapid tests. Image Credit:

9 of 12

DPI tester QuantLase Imaging Lab — DEVELOPER: QuantLase Imaging Lab, the medical research arm of International Holdings Company (IHC), has developed the innovative device that enables faster COVID-19 mass screening. The new system is considered a "game-changer" and the new first line of defence against community viral transmission. Image Credit: WAM

10 of 12

NAT DPI SCREEN TEST143-1596622919581 — Dh50 ($13.6) TEST FEE: A negative test on the DPI machine means you will be allowed to enter Abu Dhabi within 48 hours from the time of testing. The new system is considered a "game-changer" and the new first line of defence against community viral transmission. Image Credit:

11 of 12

NAT DPI SCREEN TEST1-1596622925408 — CONFIRMATION PCR TEST: If you test positive on the DPI machine, it means you would need a confirmatory PCR test at the center, which will then cost Dh320. The examinee must stay home until the result is out. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

12 of 12

NAT DPI SCREEN TEST153-1596622910078 — AIR-CONDITIONED TENT: The facility is in a tent near the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border and is manned by over 150 staff members. The UAE has pioneered the DPI-based rapid test. The non-invasive test uses “optical biosensors” and is seen as a game-changer in the coronavirus fight. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

Latest In

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US

23 minutes ago
Watch: Lisa Haydon sweats it out during baby shower

36 minutes ago
Rising destinations for investment migration

40 minutes ago
Brazil: Father of Liverpool’s Alisson Becker found dead

45 minutes ago
Biden revokes Trump ban on many 'Green Card' applicants

46 minutes ago

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.

Trending