Rapid 4-in-1 test searches for Covid, flu and RSV at the same time –

A four-in-one rapid test could be launched on the NHS to check for Covid, two strains of flu and another common winter bug.

The test uses PCR technology perfected during the Covid pandemic and can detect COVID, influenza A and B, as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 35 minutes.

But unlike Covid PCR, samples do not need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis, instead an on-site result is produced.

Other multivirus tests can take up to four days to produce results and often require specialized training for use.

The new device, known as Q-POC, was created by Newcastle-based biotech company QuantuMDx and was partially government-funded.

The developer is meeting with several NHS organizations for testing during the fall and winter months when seasonal viruses are expected to re-emerge.

It can cost up to £20,000 per device, depending on contracts with homes and hospitals.

QuantuMDx last year launched the Q-POC rapid PCR test, which is as accurate as standard PCR for detecting coronavirus

The Q-POC can also be used by anyone, rather than specially trained personnel like other multivirus tests.

It can simultaneously test three new viruses and Covid, all with similar symptoms.

The device can drain NHS capacity by preventing patients from being placed in Covid isolation when there is no virus.

NHS rules mean that anyone suspected of having the virus must be placed in a separate ward.

QuantuMDx also said the device can tell if someone has both Covid and flu at the same time, putting those people at four times the risk of needing a ventilator compared to getting a coronavirus infection alone.

The mid-nasal or nose and throat sample is taken with a soft swab and mixed with a swab, dispensed into a sealed cassette and then placed in the Q-POC.

After 35 minutes, an individual diagnostic result is provided for each of the 4 target diseases.

The sample is then tested using the same procedure as PCR tests that identify specific genetic material to determine whether a virus is present.

The manufacturer’s studies show that it can detect both flu strains and RSV in 100% of infected patients and Covid in 93.6 of those who have it.

It accurately identifies negative tests for all people without influenza A or Covid, 98.9 percent of those with influenza B and 99.2 percent of those with RSV.

Some current flu rapid tests have cost the NHS £125,000 per machine and although they can process eight samples at a time, they take up a lot more room.

Testing machines differ within the NHS, with deals made by individual hospital funds.

In others, results can take up to two hours, meaning patients have to be kept in solitary confinement longer than necessary.

The Q-POC devices have been partially government funded with a £16m budget to assist the UK’s production programme.

It has already been approved for use and launched yesterday with contracted healthcare rollout.

Jonathan O’Halloran, CEO of QuantuMDx, told MailOnline that the new technology could help ease the pressure on healthcare this winter.

He said: “The recent Covid pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid, high-quality PCR panels to accurately diagnose infectious diseases, and I am therefore happy to announce the launch of this new respiratory PCR panel.

“While it is likely to lead to parallel printing of these viruses next winter, the rapid and accurate on-demand PCR testing offered by this new test on the Q-POC platform has the potential to provide clinicians with an optimal respiratory infection control solution.”