Made-in-Singapore test kit detects dengue in 20 minutes

SINGAPORE: A new rapid test kit will soon allow dengue diagnosis in just 20 minutes, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) said in a news release on Thursday (Jan 29).

The paper-based disposable device developed by the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR detects dengue antibodies in saliva.

This is faster than the current diagnosis process of taking blood samples and testing it in a laboratory for dengue antigens or antibodies. Unlike blood samples, saliva can be collected easily and painlessly.

The kit can also detect dengue antibodies from early-stage secondary infections of dengue. Patients with secondary infections, who have previously contracted different strains of the dengue virus, stand a higher risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

"The ability to differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections makes it a valuable early diagnosis tool that would help to ensure timely treatment and proper care of patients," said IBN Executive Director Professor Jackie Y Ying.

Early diagnosis is crucial as the incubation period before dengue symptoms develop generally ranges from four to ten days after infection, and timely intervention can help prevent further complications.

Typically, paper-based tests are not designed to handle large volumes of saliva required, but the design of IBN's rapid test kit allows that.

Researchers hope to make the device as easy to use as over-the-counter pregnancy or fertility test kits, and may adapt it to detect other infectious diseases.

The institute is currently collaborating with ARKRAY Inc. to commercialise the technology.

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Made-in-Singapore test kit detects dengue in 20 minutes