Chulalongkorn University has developed the Chula COVID-19 Strip Test, a fast and convenient preliminary blood test to screen for COVID-19 infection risks. From 30 March 2020, the service will be open to the public at the Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center, which will become the COVID-19 Response and Diagnostic Center that provides quick and accessible service.
The “Chula COVID-19 Strip Test” was invented by professors at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Chulalongkorn University. The test is based on serology test to detect antibodies IgG & IgM in the blood serum or plasma. Diagnosis on initial screening takes only 10-15 minutes.
Those interested in using the Chula COVID-19 Strip Test must complete the online registration at http://covid19.thaitechstartup.org/. Individuals that show a high to medium risk result will be notified and scheduled a visit at the Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center. The service will be prioritized and follow social-distancing protocols.
Professor Dr. Narin Hiransuthikul, M.D., Vice President for Strategy, Planning and Budgeting, and Chairperson of Corona Virus (COVID-2019) Emergency Operation Center of Chulalongkorn University stated that the Chula COVID-19 Strip Test is a finger-prick blood test, so the test is safe and does not require close contact to other individuals. Although the Chula COVID-19 Strip Test does not replace the need for laboratory testing of COVID-19, there is hope that the test kit will help reduce the large number of patients who need to go to the hospital for examination. If the blood test is negative and there is no risk, individuals can stay home, receive guidance on proper actions during the virus outbreak, and may not need to have any physical examination at the hospital.