MDA Aim for 15 Minute Corona Test Results

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As part of the fight against the spread of the Corona virus and in order to reduce the time for receiving Corona test results, the Ministry of Health and Magen David Adom began pilot at the MDA “Drive and Test” complex in Lod in cooperation with the Mehuedet and Clalit HMOs.

Today, the average time to receive results is 48-72 hours, depending on the laboratory’s work load and the number of daily tests. As part of the trial, the Ministry of Health is interested in reducing the waiting time to only 15 minutes.

A pilot began yesterday (Wednesday) at the MDA “Drive and Test” in Lod in the presence of Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Deputy Health Minister MK Yoav Kisch who have personally accompany the program from the beginning.

Magen David Adom, Israel’s National Emergency Medical and Blood Services Organization, which was chosen to take the samples for the trial, set up a dedicated mobile laboratory at the “Drive and Test” facility using mobile laboratory technology developed by “Sofia”.

The system brings innovative technology of speed and mobility and can be adapted for use in specific locations which require a more rapid response such as nursing homes, military bases, airports and more.

Only those who come with a referral from the their physician for a Corona test are sampled. Participants are requested to allow for two tests to be obtained at the same time — one regular and one for the rapid laboratory, with the results attached to a test sent to the lab and tested for comparison with the regular test.

A dedicated computing platform will monitor the tests, decryption times and treatment pace. The results will be forwarded to the Ministry of Health and after the results are completed and evaluated, the expansion of the trial will be determined.

MDA Medical Director, Dr. Rafael Strugo: “We at MDA believe that the cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the trial will yield results in the field, shorten the wait times and make the testing process more efficient and simpler for all parties — testers and patients.’

“Rapid results will make it possible to increase the range of tests and thus more effectively track and manage the spread of the virus.”

Deputy Minister of Health, MK Yoav Kisch: “At the request of Minister Edelstein, I started looking for technologies that could help in the fight against the Corona virus.’

“This system operates in the United States with hundreds of thousands of tests and is of course FDA approved,in an expedited procedure.’

“The big advantage of the system is that it is in the field and can provide 40 tests per hour and can certainly suit nursing homes and other sensitive places.’

“We will continue to search and test technology from Israel and the world that can help the State of Israel in dealing with the Corona virus.’

“I would like to thank MDA for joining the trial and the Clalit and Meuhedet HMOs that operate the pilot complex in Lod”.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein: “In recent days, we have crossed the 30,000 mark of tests per day, thanks in part to the My Heritage lab we put into operation.’

“Towards winter, the number of tests must be significantly increased and the time until results reduced. These will help us break the chain of infection. The Ministry of Health is working tirelessly on this.”

MDA Director General Eli Bin: “We congratulate the Minister of Health and the Deputy Minister on the start of the trial with the latest technology, which will help all those involved in the mission.’

“Shortening the response time for citizens is an essential part of the national fight against the spread of the Corona virus in Israel.’

“We will continue to be at the forefront of the fight against the spread of the virus, which is currently on the rise.’

“I sincerely hope that the results of the trial will help dramatically reduce waiting times and provide a quick diagnosis for future patients that will also have a positive effect on the entire economy. “