The one-step real-time RT-PCR kits introduced on March 5 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Research on a test kit for early COVID-19 discovery hasbeen successful, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on March 5.
The real-time RT-PCR research was conducted by the Vietnam Military MedicalUniversity and the Viet A Corporation.
It can reveal test results after a little more than one hour.
Speaking at the declaration ceremony, Deputy Minister of Science and TechnologyPham Cong Tac emphasised the project’s importance as the COVID-19 epidemicremained a global threat.
Results confirmed Vietnamese scientists’ high professional skills and theministry’s determination in contributing to the epidemic prevention andcontrol.
Lieutenant General Do Quyet, Director of the Vietnam Military MedicalUniversity, said the kit was researched, completed and tested thoroughly by theCentral Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and compared to the test kitsbeing used by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Vietnamese productprovided similar results, he said.
The Ministry of Health on March 4 issued a decision for the kit to put in use.
The Viet A Corporation can produce 10,000 kits per day, and can increaseproductivity by three fold if needed. The products can meet demand for thecountry and also for export to support other countries, experts said.
Earlier on March 3, the Institute of Biotechnology under the Vietnam Academy ofScience and Technology also completed the development of test kits for theCOVID-19. The kits are waiting for further assessment before being put in use./.
