The race to finding a cure to the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing. However, prior to getting a cure to this virus that has drastically affected the world, testing and tracking infected people needs to be effective. This is where blockchain technology comes in with the launch of the ADIONA™ COVID-19 antibody testing platform. The platform was created as a collaboration between Irvine based Covid-19 tracking company, Kahala Biosciences LLC and Rymedi, Inc., a South Carolina blockchain protocol developer.
The platform seems to be a response to a cry for help as scientists have speculated that with accurate testing and tracking platforms, we can counter and curb the spread of the virus. With more calls coming for the reopening of the economy, a group of top U.S scientists have postulated that the only way to contain the spread of the virus is via frequent testing and daily certification of symptoms.
Is There a Need for A blockchain-Based Covid-19 test Platform?
The ADIONA™ platform is the first COVID-19 antibody testing platform in the U.S to marry antibody testing with a blockchain-based smartphone software application. The platform will help determine if someone who has been infected previously has been able to develop immunity. The platform will utilise a feasibility method, authenticating all test kits from manufacturer to patient while protecting patient data through encryption. The tests would be performed with the IGg/IgM Covid-19 rapid-point-of-care antibody test. Since it is built on the blockchain, result tampering will be prevented and patient tracking will be ensured.
Tracking people who are Covid-19 asymptomatic can be a daunting task. However, with ADIONA™, it will be a much easier task now. As the world economies prepare to restart, having a technology that enables you to monitor tests kits and patient data will go a long way towards containing the virus.
According to Francis Duhay, MD, the CEO of Kahala Biosciences, “…our platform technology will serve as a virtual clearinghouse to centralize protected, tamper-proof patient test results, which facilitates decision-making between employer and employee, so no other identification or testing is required to certify employee COVID-19 status. We believe this end-to-end, point-of-care platform addresses all the requirements to enable employers to bring their employees safely back to work on a broad scale.”
How will the ADIONA Platform Work?
The ADIONA platform is built to enable blockchain data management, therefore it provides predictable analysis that helps prepare a response to disease outbreaks ahead of time. The platform integrates a mobile application for the coalition of real-time test results. The platform also utilises QR codes secured with cryptography for the authentication of kits, tests results and reagents. The platform functions in a simple way. The patient inputs his/her health data and receives a unique QR code before the testing. After the finger-prick test, the QR code makes it easier to track the patient during testing. About 15 minutes after the test, the patient receives the result privately to his/her phones.
The patient has access to data about the test kits, the manufacturers, location of testing, time of test, payment information, etc right on his phone. One of the importance of the ADIONA platform is that as the economy reopens, employers can get easy access to the health status of their employees. It will also help with travelling as people can show their Covid-19 status using the platform and assist governments in tracking infected individuals regionally.
ADIONA™ complies with HIPAA, GDPR and cGxP requirements and still employs the blockchain in securing user data. In the words of Rymedi CEO David Stefanich, “our blockchain-enabled technology builds trust into the very fabric of the integrated solution”. Asides from providing access and information of testing centres, the platform aims to be able to cater for point-of-care testing from work or home in the future. Additionally, the platform has plans to integrate a digital questionnaire that will enable users to access their risk through their smartphone app.
Post a Comment