Covid 19 coronavirus: Testing breakthrough in Queensland

Queensland scientists are on the verge of a major breakthrough in the fight against Covid-19.

Researchers at Xing Technologies are developing an ultra-rapid coronavirus test that can detect whether a person is infected and contagious within moments.

The State Government has already invested $1.5 million into the project and the company has also received $1m from the US Government.

The Courier Mail reports that trials for the test are already under way in the US.

Brisbane-based Xing Technologies CEO Tom Esplin told the newspaper that a rapid test could pave the way for a return to normal pre-Covid activities, including travel.

"People are saying we need a rapid point-of-care test to let people get on aeroplanes," Esplin said.

Covid-19 testing station at Eden Park on day five of level 3 lockdown in Auckland City. Photo / Alex Burton

"We'd like to be able to offer it. The highest viral loads occur in the three days before you develop symptoms. This test is perfectly suited for those who've got the highest risk of spreading it."

The test has been designed to use a nasal swab that those who have taken Covid-19 tests are familiar with.

A solution would then be applied to the swab to produce a rapid result.

The Today show reports it "could be used to test people before they go into high risk areas" such as "aged care facilities, shopping centres, planes and hospitals".

Queensland Innovation Minister Kate Jones told the Courier Mail that funding the project through the Palaszczuk Government's Industry Tech Fund was an important step in moving forward with the lingering threat of Covid-19.

"It could be a real game changer in the fight against this pandemic," Jones said.

The test could cost as little as a cup of coffee, 9 News reports.

There are hopes it could be used in a spray to be applied to personal protective equipment like face shields and face masks.