GenBody said on Monday it has started to sell a rapid diagnostic test kit for influenza A and B in the domestic market. The company obtained approval for the product from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Oct. 30.

GenBody’s rapid diagnostic test kit for influenza A, B

The rapid influenza diagnostic test takes about five minutes (30 seconds at minimum, 10 minutes at maximum) to detect disease A or B virus. It is easy to use particularly for pediatric patients because physicians take samples from the nasal cavity inside the nose and throat between the mouth and esophagus with soft cotton swabs.

GenBody is also developing an analyzer (color reader) to raise the accuracy of influenza virus readings, the company said. The product will be out in the first half of next year, it added.

“Our kit is the first product for the local market. It is important to increase the accuracy of the test results in the influenza diagnostic market. We will accelerate the effort to complete the development of the analyzer to raise the diagnostic accuracy,” GenBody CEO James Chong said.

GenBody is a developer of diagnostic kits and devices for humans and animals. Founded in 2012, the company ships products to 15 countries including Brazil, China, and Indonesia.

The company has developed seven diagnostic kits including the one for Zika virus developed in 2016. GenBody said it has diagnostic technologies for over 100 diseases including hormonal and metabolic diseases.

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