Niru Kalyanaraman
BEIJING: A Chinese company enters the long-winded global race for the COVID vaccine. Setting expectations by claiming that its “flash 20” testing machines supposedly give faster than a lab with increased reliability. Its promises do seem hopeful. However, there is still an inkling that this seems ...utopian. The ‘flash 20’ is one of many contenders for the global COVID testing race, and so far it seems to have gotten a head start! With hospitals and airports using this testing method, and the European Union and Australia approving it, this is undoubtedly a contender to look out for.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, on Monday (September 28th) the American President announced the distribution of 150 million rapid coronavirus testing kits which can purportedly deliver results within 15-30 minutes. With both nations having prior political rifts and a “healthy competitive spirit” it is no surprise that we should anticipate more innovative developments within the market so that in the spirit of a free market, the “best product will win”.
On a more informative note, it is essential to note that rapid diagnostic testing kits like these do offer an enticing and instantly gratifying alternative. Nonetheless, with all revolutionary ideas, scientists propose that these ideas are to be taken “with a grain of salt” as they state these kits are not only to be less sensitive but also more likely to return false negatives.
Innovations will change and adapt, but the real question persists, which nation will attain the glory of producing the first vaccine? Only time will tell.
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