Prenetics’ and New World Development’s COVID-19 Test Gains CE Mark

Two Hong Kong-based companies, New World Development and Prenetics, have received a CE mark for their Circle HealthPod rapid COVID-19 test.

The test, which was developed at the University of Oxford, offers a similar level of accuracy to polymerase chain-reaction tests, with a 96 percent sensitivity in identifying positive cases and 99.9 percent specificity in accurately identifying negative samples, according to the companies.

The Circle HealthPod uses a lower nasal swab and provides results to the individual’s smartphone or directly on the device in 20 minutes. It is intended for use either at home or the at the point-of-care.