Using a new mathematical approach to screen large groups for Covid-19 could be around 20 times cheaper than individual testing, a study suggests.
Using a new mathematical approach to screen large groups for Covid-19 could be around 20 times cheaper than individual testing, a study suggests.
Applying a recently created algorithm to test multiple samples in one go reduces the total number of tests needed, lowering the cost of screening large populations for Covid-19, researchers say.
This novel approach will make it easier to spot outbreaks early on. Initial research shows it is highly effective at identifying positive cases when most of the population is negative.
Testing approach
A team of researchers, including the University’s inaugural Higgs Chair of Theoretical Physics, Professor Neil Turok, developed the method – called the hypercube algorithm – and conducted the first field trials in Africa.
Read more at University of Edinburgh
Photo Credit: fernandozhiminaicela via Pixabay
