Health

Japan Team Develops COVID-19 Testing Tech Using Blood, Urine

KUMAMOTO, March 24 — A research team of Kumamoto University in southwestern Japan has developed a testing technology to check COVID-19 infection using blood or urine samples, Jiji Press reported.

The new method, which has about the same accuracy as a conventional polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests employed around the world, can lower infection risks for those giving the tests as blood and urine contain almost no coronavirus, according to the team’s announcement on Tuesday.

The team of researchers, including Kumamoto University Professor Kazuhito Tomizawa, discovered that once a person gets infected with the new coronavirus, two types of modified nucleoside increase in his or her blood and urine.

When the researchers analysed blood and urine samples taken from about 200 infected people, they confirmed rises in modified nucleoside levels. They also found that the increases are related to the severity of the disease and treatment effects.

The team is pursuing this research jointly with Japanese precision equipment maker Shimadzu Corp. Tomizawa said the new testing method will hopefully be put into practical use by the end of March next year.

Sources: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Your September–October Watchlist: Food, Drama & Frights

Mark your calendars, TV junkies. September & October are serving drama, food wars, and spooky… Read More

17 hours ago

Pandora Talisman Drops, Ancient Coin Energy Meets Modern Vibes

Pandora is flipping the script this autumn with the launch of Pandora Talisman, a jewellery… Read More

19 hours ago

LADA Unveils ‘Langkawi Special Deals’ with MAG Partnership to Supercharge Island Tourism

The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has launched “Langkawi Special Deals”, a strategic tourism campaign featuring… Read More

19 hours ago

Maxim Rolls Out Partner-Driver Legalization Program to Elevate Compliance and Road Safety

Maxim, one of Malaysia’s leading e-hailing platforms, has officially introduced a Partner-Driver Legalization Program designed… Read More

21 hours ago

Sabah Crowned Malaysia’s Favourite Destination, A Paradise of Peaks, Seas, and Culture Awaits!

Sabah, located in the north-eastern part of Borneo, has officially earned the title of Malaysia’s… Read More

21 hours ago

Coca‑Cola Brings Back ‘Share a Coke’ Now With a Proudly Malaysian Twist

This Merdeka, Coca‑Cola is turning up the nostalgia and the local flavour. The iconic ‘Share… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.