DeepVerge PLC (AIM:DVRG) said it completed the development of its third-generation compact Microtox PD Coronavirus (COVID-19) detection system, which is able to identify SARS-CoV-2 and a range of pathogens at local, regional and national levels.
The upgraded system, which was developed by Deepverge's Modern Water unit, is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2022, the company said in a statement.
The new compact system extends the reach of real-time pandemic surveillance capabilities to local community level, such as towns, villages, hospitals, hotels and ports - locations where large groups of people gather.
"Size, cost, reach and route to market have been heavily thought through with our new third-generation designs,” said DeepVerge CEO Gerry Brandon.
“The units are now smaller - allowing them to be installed for smaller populations; mobile - allowing them to be taken to where populations gather; mass producible - allowing more affordability for customers; and just as importantly, available for new partner opportunities.
Brandon said the company also intends the units to be manufactured and franchised to companies in the developing world and sold at affordable prices.
"It is our vision for Microtox PD to become a standard part of home or office utility and this latest generation model is a giant leap towards that vision being reality," he said.
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The company’s Microtox BT equipment has also been re-designed to deliver a portable, mobile testing unit to process breath tests at point of care, DeepVerge said.
The established test protocols have been carried out from test subjects provided by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland for the early prototype and secured positive results.
Rollout of the breath test is subject to meeting the satisfactory requirements of EU Regulatory approvals, which will be carried out on the latest version of the Microtox BT units.
DeepVerge said it will provide further information on this in the first half of 2022.