The user-friendly fully-automated Bosch Vivalytic Analyzer can now analyse suspected COVID-19 specimens after partnering with Randox Laboratories, who develop biochip technology solutions.

The test can differentiate between 10 respiratory pathogens, including SARS-2-CoV and Influenza A & B, and requires no specialised training to use both the analyser and the biochip cartridge. The specimen is simply inserted into the cartridge and loaded into the machine. The Bosch Vivalytic Analyzer will return a result in 2.5 hours and can run ten tests a day. 

The test, which takes nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has been shown to have 95% accuracy and meets the quality standard requirements set by the World Health Organization. 

The COVID-19 test is based on a combination of sample preparation (including process controls): Multiplex PCR (Polymerase-Chain-Reaction), μArray-detection to allow the identification of SARS-CoV-2.

The test is currently available as Research Use Only (RUO).