Diagnosing 'COVID-19' in Just 4 Hours in the Laboratory

Domestic researchers have developed a COVID-19 detection method that can diagnose COVID-19 in biological laboratories.

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A domestic research team has developed a technology that can easily and quickly diagnose whether a person is infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Even without a rare Level 3 laboratory in Korea, diagnosis can be performed in a general biology laboratory, and infection status can be determined within 4 hours. There are calls for the government to urgently decide on its adoption to curb the spread of COVID-19. On the 11th, the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) announced that the research team led by Director Changjoon Lee of the Center for Cognition and Sociality developed a protocol capable of detecting the COVID-19 virus in the laboratory.

COVID-19 Diagnosed in Laboratory Within 4 Hours

On the 11th, as confirmed COVID-19 cases increased due to a cluster infection at a call center located on the 11th floor of the Korea Building in Sindorim-dong, citizens wearing masks are using the subway at Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The diagnostic method developed by the research team proves asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. It amplifies nine DNA regions uniquely present in COVID-19, and among them, compares and analyzes four specific DNA sequences with the DNA of the examinee for diagnosis. If even one of these shows a positive reaction, medical treatment is required. Conversely, if all four parts show negative reactions, it confirms that the person is not infected with the coronavirus.

Notably, this diagnostic method can be performed anytime as long as there is equipment for gene amplification technology (rt-PCR), even without a Level 3 laboratory that handles highly pathogenic viruses. The test takes about 4 hours and costs approximately 18,000 KRW.

Research Team to Disclose Diagnostic Method for Public Use

On the 10th, dealers were busy working in the dealing room of KEB Hana Bank in Euljiro, Seoul. On this day, the KOSPI index opened lower at 1,942.85, down 11.92 points (0.61%) from the previous trading day. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

To utilize infection status through this diagnostic method, the set of genetic sequences called 'primers' developed by the research team is essential.

Director Changjoon Lee stated, "We experimented using primers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but they were not accurate, so we developed our own," and added, "If used for public purposes, we plan to disclose the primer sequences."

He further said, "Through this, other laboratories will also be able to easily determine negative status for asymptomatic individuals," and "This method can be applied not only to the COVID-19 virus but also to epidemic viruses that may emerge in the future."