Health Canada approves test strip that gives COVID-19 results in an hour

Health Canada has approved a new test strip that can provide accurate results for nine COVID-19 samples in just 60 minutes.

Called the SARS-CoV-2 TRIPLELOCK Test Strips, the rapid tests are manufactured by Precision Biomonitoring, a company founded by a group of scientists at the University of Guelph in Ontario.

The strips are nucleic acid-based, which detects the coronavirus itself, and can be transported without refrigeration, making them ideal for on-the-spot tests, according to a press release. They have been approved for use across the country.

The cost-effective tests will help support the government and industry as Canada focuses on safely reopening the economy amidst a second wave of the virus, said the release.

“We have been working closely with various industries across Canada to help bring their workforce back safely, and are thrilled to be expanding that capability,” said Dr. Mario Thomas, the CEO of Precision Biomonitoring. “This approval also means we can strengthen our ongoing support for federal and provincial governments, as well as Canadian industries.”

The TRIPLELOCK Test Strips are stable at room temperature, convenient to use, and highly accurate, according to the press release.

Eric Hoskins, former Minister of Health and Long-Term Care of Ontario and a Precision Biomonitoring Board Member, said the tests “will be crucial in workplaces across the country, schools, and rural and remote areas, where answers are needed fast.”