Bengaluru-based firm launches India’s first at-home COVID-19 test kit

Bengaluru-based genetic and microbiome testing firm Bione has launched India’s first rapid COVID-19 at-home screening test kit. After requisite approval, the kit is now available for sale on their website, the company said in a release.

The company claimed the kit displays accurate results within minutes and is instrumental in the timely screening of the novel coronavirus infection. The kit is priced between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000 depending upon the global supply, it said.

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It said the ready-to-use kits can be received within 2-3 days of placing the order at their platform. The organisation is also in talks to provide bulk orders for early detection of the virus, it said. The blood test kits take around 5-10 minutes to deliver the results, according to the company’s statement. It said the products have been sourced from its CE and FDA approved partners worldwide.

In its statement, the firm said it is well-equipped to supply 20,000 kits per week and intends to build its manufacturing facilities in the coming months to sufficiently cater to the high demand. Meanwhile, the company also urged people to undergo a laboratory test for a thorough follow-up if someone shows coronavirus symptoms, irrespective of results of the screening kit.

Speaking about the launch, Bione CEO Dr Surendra Chikara said, “By bringing down the result time, we are looking to make an impact and help India fight COVID-19. We strongly believe that the government’s support is pivotal in leading a revolution against coronavirus.”

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