Testing 1, 2, 3

Who Tests the Test?

Episode Summary

This week, we welcome two people who used test and measurement to stop the spread of COVID and provide an effective and simple solution for consumers. Scientist Harmony Douwes and Senior Test Systems Engineer Ruchira Gunatillake join us to talk about the Australian-based company Ellume’s groundbreaking work. They discuss creating the test, the efficacy rates of the test, and how they involve testing as part of the production process.

Episode Notes

The pandemic has changed just about everything in our society, but the need for rigorous testing is more important than ever. This week, we welcome two people who used test and measurement to stop the spread of COVID and provide an effective and simple solution for consumers. Scientist Harmony Douwes and Senior Test Systems Engineer Ruchira Gunatillake join us to talk about the Australian-based company Ellume’s groundbreaking work. Ellume created the first rapid COVID-19 test to be authorized by the FDA, helping to save thousands of lives and to stop the spread of the virus. They discuss creating the test, the efficacy rates of the test, and how they involve testing as part of the production process.

Learn More About:

How did Ellume use their previous influenza core technology to create an at-home test for COVID-19?
How does the at-home test transmit data from the consumer to the cloud, and how can this help health officials monitor data?
How can Ellume’s at-home test allow for more frequent testing, preventing strain on medical personnel, and save us from using up PPE?
Most COVID infections happen when people don’t know they have the virus, so widespread testing is important to prevent the spread of the disease.
What is a destructive test, and what is a non-destructive test?
What are the failure rates Ellume needs to see in a batch to know it won’t work?
How does Ellume reach 100% non-destructive testing without completely obliterating its margins as part of the production line?
How do internal systems testing make sure the consumer takes a sufficient sample?

Resources Mentioned:

Ellume