KATHMANDU: Scientists say a rapid test can accurately diagnose a coronavirus infection within 90 minutes without needing a specialist laboratory.

The study carried out by Imperial College, London showed the “lab-on-a-chip” gave comparable results to current tests.

The device is already being used in eight NHS hospitals to quickly identify patients who are carrying the virus.

However, experts warn that the kit will not be a solution to the beleaguered Test and Trace program.

The device, developed by the company DnaNudge, can be used by anyone capable of taking a swab of the nose or throat.

The swab is placed inside a disposable blue cartridge which contains the chemicals needed for the test.

This in turn is slotted into a shoebox-sized machine to perform the analysis.

(With inputs from Agencies)