Singapore could soon freeze-dry Covid-19 PCR test kits

Toh showing a sample of freeze-dried Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays at the lyophilization facility during the opening of BioAcumen Global lyophilization center in Kallang Way on March 16, 2021.- ST

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The technique used to preserve food could prove to be a game changer in Singapore's fight against Covid-19 through the development of freeze-dried Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits, which would simplify storage and transportation requirements.

Local biotech company BioAcumen Global said the key benefit of lyophilisation, as the technique is called, is that it removes the need for refrigeration currently required for Covid-19 PCR test kits.