Sensor technology from Austria Microsystems (AMS) is helping German start-up Midge Medical develop a pocket-sized Covid-19 genetic test that can produce results on a smartphone in as little as 15 minutes.

Midge Medical is developing technology for science-backed rapid genetic and blood testing in a home and professional healthcare environment.

A sensor system based on the AMS AS7341L spectral sensor allows spectrally resolved read out of amplified Covid-19 virus particles.

In the current Covid-19 crisis, experts suggest there is an urgent need for frequent high-quality testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic people to manage the pandemic. The new test addresses the unmet need of frequent, affordable, rapid and mass testing during the pandemic.

“The unique diagnostic vision of Midge Medical, in combination with AMS’s highly-performant and sensitive spectral sensors, has resulted in a miniaturised readout at a fraction of the cost of currently available systems, enabling decentralised testing at home and in professional healthcare environments,” said Jennifer Zhao, executive vice president at AMS. “The Midge smartphone app delivers instant results that can be displayed on any authorised smartphone.”

Founded in 2016 to fight antibiotic resistance, Midge Medical integrated point-of-need platforms designed for earlier detection of infections and diseases, more precise and faster diagnoses, and personalised therapies for the chronically ill based on regular testing.

“We are pleased to collaborate with AMS as a globally known strong partner to bring this low cost type of test to the market,” said Michael Diebold, CEO at Midge Medical. “By enabling broad and frequent testing, even in the absence of immunisation, going back to an almost normal life will be possible again.”

With headquarters in Austria, AMS employs around 9000 people globally and serves more than 8000 customers worldwide.