I am curious if there are any biotech experts here who can answer this.
Can we open source methods to build COVID-19 test kits?
What raw material, tools are needed to pull it off. Given the current testing disaster going on in the US. Would it be possible to go decentralized?
Ask HN: How to build COVID-19 test kit?
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Re: Ask HN: How to build COVID-19 test kit?
#2Your bottleneck would not be the building of the test (https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/brands/thermo-scient...), but the FDA approval. The CDC was able to get emergency use authorization from the FDA in 1 day for its test, but you are not the CDC.
Re: Ask HN: How to build COVID-19 test kit?
#3Your bottleneck would not be the building of the test ( https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/brands/thermo-scient... ), but the FDA approval. The CDC was able to get emergency use authorization from the FDA in 1 day for its test, but you are not the CDC.
Why would I need FDA approval if I want to use test for myself or friends? Bio hackers do all kinds of experiments with CRISPR technology.
Re: Ask HN: How to build COVID-19 test kit?
#4Your bottleneck would not be the building of the test ( https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/brands/thermo-scient... ), but the FDA approval. The CDC was able to get emergency use authorization from the FDA in 1 day for its test, but you are not the CDC.
Why would I need FDA approval if I want to use test for myself or friends? Bio hackers do all kinds of experiments with CRISPR technology.
Ah, I thought you were trying to solve the broader bottleneck of testing which would require approval. But as a hobby just for fun, I suppose you could do anything you want...not sure how useful it would be (would you trust your result? Would health agencies take your result as evidence?)
Re: Ask HN: How to build COVID-19 test kit?
#5How would you test it?
Re: Ask HN: How to build COVID-19 test kit?
#6I imagine it would be challenging to get the necessary samples to accurately calibrate the test/ensure efficacy?