Summary of CHAI RELEASE OPEN SOURCE ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING KIT FOR COVID-19
The CHAI team unveiled a DIY environmental test kit for COVID-19 compatible with the Open qPCR machine. This open-source system detects the virus on surfaces and objects to aid in tracking transmission. The Open qPCR device utilizes a BeagleBone Black Single Board Computer, offering single-channel ($4,499) and double-channel ($6,499) versions for affordable, portable lab testing.
Parts used in the Open qPCR Environmental Test Kit:
- Open qPCR machine
- BeagleBone Black Single Board Computer
- Detection components for surfaces and objects
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing capabilities
The CHAI team announced at the Open Hardware Summit that the group would be launching an environmental test kit that will be able to work on the Open qPCR machine, which was released in 2016. The kit will be a DIY test kit for COVID-19, which has caused a global pandemic for the detection of the virus on surfaces, objects, and non-liveable things. One cannot overstate the importance of containing the spread to help. Detecting how the virus is transmitted will help researchers figure out a way to slow it and hopefully stop it.
The Open qPCR, which is built around the BeagleBone Black Single Board Computer (SBC), is an open-source device created for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. PCR is a technique for studying DNA and RNA sequences. The Open qPCR has the single-channel version, which costs $4,499 and the double channel version, which costs $6,499. This is affordable and portable for a piece of lab equipment.
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- What is the purpose of the new CHAI test kit?
The kit is a DIY tool designed to detect the COVID-19 virus on surfaces, objects, and non-liveable things. - Which computer powers the Open qPCR machine?
The device is built around the BeagleBone Black Single Board Computer. - How much does the single-channel version cost?
The single-channel version costs $4,499. - Can this equipment be used for portable lab testing?
Yes, the Open qPCR is described as affordable and portable for a piece of lab equipment. - What technique does the Open qPCR use for testing?
It uses Polymerase Chain Reaction, a technique for studying DNA and RNA sequences. - When was the Open qPCR machine originally released?
The machine was released in 2016. - Does the kit work on live or non-liveable items?
The kit works on surfaces, objects, and non-liveable things. - What is the price difference between channel versions?
The double-channel version costs $6,499 while the single-channel costs $4,499.
