SpectraLIT instant Covid-19 testing platform enters Indian Market
Published on : Tuesday 13-07-2021
SpectraLIT is a portable spectrophotometry-based testing platform that is powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Mumbai, July 12, 2021: MediCircle Health Pvt Ltd, an AI-powered diagnostics company, is introducing the SpectraLIT™ – Spectral Instant Test in India, which is the world’s fastest Covid-19 test delivering results in just one second.
SpectraLIT™ is a portable spectrophotometry-based testing platform that is powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect Covid-19 by using an individual’s nasal or mouthwash sample. This eliminates the need for complex lab equipment and chemicals by providing immediate results using the spectral signature of the virus. The AI algorithm enables SpectraLIT™ to distinguish between an infected person and a healthy person. Additionally, the algorithm can be adjusted to detect different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
SpectraLIT™ is developed by Newsight Imaging which specialises in developing advanced machine vision chip sensors in collaboration with the reputed Sheba Medical Centre’s ARC Innovation Centre in Israel. The technology is licensed to Hong Kong-based AI Innobio for the Asia Pacific region. MediCircle Health Pvt Ltd has an exclusive tie up with AI InnoBio to launch the test in India.
Extensive studies performed in Israel have shown a concordance to RT-PCR of close to 95% and a validation study in India showed concordance (sensitivity) of 93.5% to PCR. As the data set of Spectral signatures increases, the AI algorithm will continuously improve to give even more accurate results. The ultimate goal of this revolutionary testing platform is to help India safely reopen and stay open.
Eventually, SpectraLIT™ will be able to test for diseases other than Covid-19. The platform will grow and innovations will allow it to detect other infectious diseases such as Influenza, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Dengue, and UTIs, as well as non-communicable diseases such as sickle cell disease.
When the human body is infected by the virus that causes Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2), the body starts producing chemicals in response to the infection, including proteins and peptides present in the secretions in the nose, mouth, and pharynx. When a sample from the patient is inserted into the device, a spectra is generated. SpectraLIT™ performs instant spectral analysis and it can accurately as well as instantly determine if the spectral pattern matches that of the Covid-19 sample. All that SpectraLIT™ requires is a computer, an internet connection, a plastic cuvette, and saline water. It eliminates the use of any reagents or chemicals. The kit also empowers frequent scalable testing.
SpectraLIT™ has received the European Union CE-IVD mark of authorisation for use in the diagnosis of Covid-19, which is recognised and accepted in India by ICMR. It has been launched in 7 countries and been approved by ICTS, the European airport security giant to offer a quick Covid-19 screening process at European airports. It has also been tested in 36 hospitals across North and Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. SpectraLIT™ is currently undergoing FDA approvals in the United States.