VIDEO: Abu Dhabi installs EDE scanners to detect COVID-19 cases in minutes
- 27 Jun 2021
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The Abu Dhabi Health authorities have approved the use a unique EDE scanners to catch COVID-19 infections.
The EDE scanning system will be used at shopping malls, as part of testing in some residential areas, and at land and air entry points, as part of efforts to enhance precautionary measures and curb the spread of COVID-19 by establishing safe zones.
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Prior to approval, a field research was conducted in Ghantout entry point and some public locations on Yas Island, and in the Musaffah area revealed the success of the trial.
The state-of-the-art technology can detect a possible coronavirus infection by measuring electromagnetic waves, which change when the RNA particles of the virus are present in the person’s body, therefore providing an immediate result.
Around 20,000 people were tested with EDE scanners to detect a positive Covid-19 infection. The result was effective.
The tests showed 90 per cent sensitivity, reflecting the accuracy of identifying infected individuals, and 89 per cent accuracy in the specificity of the test, reflecting the accuracy of identifying non-infected individuals.
A view of a street in Abu Dhabi.“Abu Dhabi has adopted an integrated strategy to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, based on increased testing to ensure safe entry into the emirate, vaccination and the continued implementation of precautionary measures, Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary at Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, said.
“The use of the EDE scanning system is part of this strategy and reflects the leadership’s vision in harnessing modern technology to create solutions that turn challenges into opportunities. The EDE scanners will be used alongside other approved testing methods, such as PCR and DPI.”
The EDE Research Institute Abu Dhabi developed the scanning system.