AI-based diagnostics startup MediCircle Health Pvt. Ltd. announced that it was launching a rapid spectrometry-based detection test for COVID-19 powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. The portable spectrometry-based testing platform leverages ML and AI to screen for the presence of COVID-19 virus using nasal or mouthwash as a sample from an individual.
MediCircle Health is introducing SpectraLIT in India that is portable and reduces the need for sophisticated lab equipment and reagents. It offers results rapidly after the test is performed by leveraging the spectral signature of the virus. The AI algorithm that powers the test enables it to differentiate between a healthy individual and an infected person. In addition, the algorithm can also be modified to screen for SARS-CoV-2 variants. Spectral Instant Test is a point-of-care diagnostic platform that can be effectively deployed at various locations such as airports, malls, schools, and others for entry screening. It can also enable secure and real-time reporting to health authorities. The test is dependent on computer, a stable internet network, cuvette, and saline water. According to the tests conducted in Israel where the test has been developed, it has a 95% consistency with the lab-based RT-PCR and studies carried out in India demonstrated the test had a 93.5% consistency with RT-PCR. SpectraLIT has been developed by Newsight Imaging – which is an expert in developing sophisticated machine vision chip sensors – in association with ARC Innovation Center of Sheba Medical Center in Israel. The technology has been licensed to AI Innobio, which is based in Hong Kong and MediCircle has exclusive license to launch and commercialize the test in the Indian market. MediCircle believes it is imperative to deploy rapid test kits in India given the possible warnings of third wave of COVID-19 infections and emergence of different variants in India.
SpectraLIT has received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research and has been cleared to use in Europe. It is deployed in over 35 hospitals across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East. It is currently undergoing FDA approvals in the United States. Reportedly, after advancements in the test, the AI diagnostic solution will be ready to use for other infectious diseases such as influenza, malaria, tuberculosis, dengue, UTIs, and non-communicable diseases such as sickle cell disease.
