Rwandan medical researchers have discovered a new pooling algorithm of COVID-19 mass testing.
The newly discovered testing method combines samples, tests them in groups and bears the same results as other methods of mass testing.
Using the new method, the cost of mass testing could be reduced since one test kit can be used for several people.
For the new algorithm, at low prevalence, this testing procedure uniquely identifies infected individuals in a small number of tests and therefore cuts the cost and time spent on average testing.
The time factor of the new algorithm has proven to be even more suitable for a rapidly spreading infectious disease like COVID-19 because infected individuals who are still at large can infect others.
