The new kit utilizes the reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) technique to detect the novel coronavirus using the naked eye, based on color changes of indicator chemicals. A sample could be processed within 30 minutes using the new kit, as opposed to around 120 mins required for RT-PCR test kits, previously developed by Vietnam.

Members of a Vietnam's Covid-19 test kit development team during a discussion.

Experiments showed the new kit does not give out false positives based on other types of coronavirus, including SARS-CoV (which causes SARS) and MERS-CoV (which causes MERS). It also does not require the use of complex equipment.

The new kit was developed by a research team at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), Innogenex International Technology Science Company and associates. Research begun when the Covid-19 epidemic first broke out in China’s Wuhan City, where the first Covid-19 cases were officially recorded last December.

The research team undertook multiple experiments to develop the kit, with initial success confirmed in February. The team has since developed two versions of the kit. The first received a temporary distribution license by the Ministry of Health to be used in screening tests at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology.

The second version was developed with reduced imported materials in favor of domestic equivalents. This version has received CE-IVD certification (European CE Marking for In Vitro Diagnostic devices), which allows distribution across Europe, on May 25. This is the only Covid-19 test kit utilizing the RT-LAMP technique to receive CE-IVD certification, according to researchers.

A third version is being developed in a freeze-dried form, which helps simplify transportation as the product would no longer need to be frozen for preservation. Such an advantage would help test kits reach Covid-19 areas in America and Africa, said researchers.

Previously, Vietnam Military Medical University and Viet A Technologies, with research funding from the Ministry of Science and Technology, developed a Covid-19 test kit utilizing the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, which detects the novel coronavirus in droplets obtained from the respiratory tract and blood. This kit received CE certification and a Certificate of Free Sale from the U.K., which allows their sale in Europe. It has also been recognized by the Emergency Use Listing procedure (EUL) of WHO.

Vietnam has confirmed 328 Covid-19 infections so far, with only 26 active cases left.

Winners of contest about Communist Party of Vietnam, Uncle Ho honoured

(BGO) - On the afternoon of May 17, the Standing Board of the Bac Giang provincial Party Committee held a ceremony to review and award winners of a contest to study the “Glorious Communist Party of Vietnam; Great Uncle Ho; and the country in the renewal  process". This is one of the meaningful activities to celebrate the 130th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh on May 19 (1890-2020).

VN's latest update of Covid-19 as of May 17 morning

With no new case confirmed, Sunday morning marks day 31 that Vietnam has gone without a new coronavirus infection caused by community transmission. The nation’s Covid-19 tally now stays at 318, including 58 active patients.In the past 24 hours, the nation recorded five more cases. All are Vietnamese citizens returning from abroad.

Vietnam has second fastest 4G download speed in Southeast Asia

Vietnam ranks 41st among 100 economies in terms of 4G download speed of mobile data and second behind Singapore in Southeast Asia.

Miss Vietnam 2020 contest launched

The national Miss Vietnam 2020 competition was launched by Tien Phong newspaper this week.  

VN's latest update of Covid-19 as of 6am, May 14

With no new Covid-19 case confirmed Thursday morning, Vietnam entered its 28th consecutive day without community infection of the virus. For a week now, the nation’s Covid-19 count has remained unchanged at 288, 36 of them still under treatment and the rest recovered. Among the active cases, six have tested negative once and 11 others at least twice.

Source: VnExpress