Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi approves three new tests that give faster results

The antigen, RT-LAMP and saliva tests will only be available in emergency rooms and urgent care centres

Nearly 6,000 people are tested at the Ghantoot laser centre every day. Antonie Robertson / The National

Medics at the Ghantoot testing centre on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi use a laser technique to scan a blood sample for signs of surging red blood cells, which is an early sign the body is fighting off a virus. Antonie Robertson / The National

A medic testing a commuter for Covid-19. Antonie Robertson / The National

The results of the Diffractive Phase Interferometry test, or DPI, which detects viral presence in the blood, including Covid-19, are received in minutes via a text message. Antonie Robertson / The National

The test costs Dh50 and is very quick compared with the PCR test that can take time to get a result. Antonie Robertson / The National

The facility was set up to allow commuters who require a negative Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi. Those with negative results can continue their journey. Antonie Robertson / The National

Abu Dhabi has approved the use of three new Covid-19 tests that can be used to screen people in emergency rooms at hospitals and urgent care centres.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said the new tests give faster results and will help physicians provide better care.

In the antigen test, a sample of mucus is collected from the back of a person's throat or nose using a swab. The sample is tested for the virus. It gives results in 20 minutes.

Antigen tests are said to be faster than the polymerase chain reaction test, or PCR.

The second test, Reverse-transcription LAMP (RT-LAMP), gives results in one hour and has been used to detect Covid-19 in several countries.

Saliva tests have also been approved for use in children and in cases where a more invasive and uncomfortable nasal swab is not possible.

The saliva test was approved in Dubai in November 2020. Dubai Health Authority facilities and Covid-19 screening centres offer the test for children aged 3 to 16.

“We have approved a new set of diagnostic tests of Covid-19 that are based on global updates and the latest scientific developments in the detection of the virus to be used in emergency departments across the emirate,” said Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, undersecretary of the authority.

Several other Covid-19 tests are currently available across the UAE.

These include the standard nasal swab PCR test, the laser DPI test, which scans the blood for signs the body is fighting a virus, the LamPORE test, designed to test both saliva and swab RNA samples.

There is also a serology test, which scans for Covid-19 antibodies and can tell whether someone has had the virus and has any immunity to it.

The PCR test is currently being provided at 24 healthcare centres and laboratories as well as in eight drive-through test centres across Abu Dhabi.