Combating coronavirus: Solution to test Covid-19 developed in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - The first batch of 200,000 units are currently being developed. Its daily production rate will cover 25 per cent of the sector's daily demand.

A chemical solution designed to extract Covid-19 Ribonucleic acid (RNA) has been developed in Abu Dhabi. The solution was created in two weeks and is a key component for testing the virus.
The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) collaborated with other government bodies, and Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Unilabs to develop the solution.
The DoH explained that the chemical solution, which has "already proven its effectiveness", is manufactured in specialised laboratories in Abu Dhabi. "The solution is then produced in industrial quantities. The first batch of 200,000 units are currently being developed. Its daily production rate will cover 25 per cent of the sector's daily demand."
The same quantity was previously imported from outside the UAE.
The Covid-19 testing process undergoes three main technical steps: Collecting swabs taken from patients, extracting the RNA from the virus, and then using the solution to analyse and verify whether the person's test results are positive or negative.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the DoH, said: "With unwavering determination, the UAE continues to take steps to unify teams at all levels in order to confront the virus. The success that we have achieved with our partners in manufacturing the chemical solution is yet another milestone that we take pride in and complements the efforts to support the country's drive to contain and control the virus.
"This step will further boost our objective of expanding the scope and capabilities of Covid-19 testing, where the UAE is leading the way. Till date, more than 2 million tests have been carried out in Abu Dhabi."