Irish-developed kit confirms infection in 15 minutes

First products could be out in just seven days

Samples for testing with a conventional kit, which takes longer to show results. Photo: PA

Laura Lynott

An Irish company is preparing to release rapid Covid-19 testing kits, which can provide results in 15 minutes and potentially act as a "clinical weapon" against coronavirus.

The tests have been developed with the same technology contained in pregnancy tests and although they are in a pilot phase, they could reduce testing times dramatically from four hours to just 15 minutes.