Initial Deployment Across South Africa to Support Self-testers with Medical Diagnostech’s COVID-19 Antigen Test

Seattle, WA, April 5, 2023 – Audere, a digital health nonprofit developing solutions to advance health equity, today announced HealthPulse TestNow™, the first COVID-19 app deployed in South Africa that supports self-testers with the administration and interpretation of rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). HealthPulse TestNow™ helps ensure the accurate use of RDTs through easy-to-follow instructions, process control timers, and guided result interpretation. The solution seamlessly integrates with public health reporting systems and ensures that self-testing data is reported, providing a more comprehensive understanding of disease prevalence.

Self-testing is an important component of public health strategies worldwide, however, challenges exist with accurate and reliable test administration, interpretation, and collection of data that can compromise the benefits of these efforts. HealthPulse TestNow™ is designed to improve an individual’s self-testing aptitude while seamlessly connecting ministries of health with test data in an effort to maximize the end-to-end impact of public health programs.

“We are proud to announce the first deployment of HealthPulse TestNow™ in South Africa. While the current state of COVID-19 testing varies across communities, this AI-powered digital solution lays the foundation for a much needed self-testing tool that facilitates improved self-diagnosis and early access to care not just for COVID-19 but for a range of medical conditions. We are actively expanding the solution’s coverage to include new conditions across a broader set of geographies in Africa. Our mission is to empower early diagnosis and expedite access to care.”

– Dr. Dino Rech, CEO, Audere

The solution is initially available in South Africa for COVID-19 self-testing with Medical Diagnostech, a developer and manufacturer of lateral flow rapid diagnostic test kits, whose partnership with Audere was announced last year. Medical Diagnostech’s COVID-19 Antigen Self Test*, the first COVID-19 self-test manufactured in Africa to receive South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) approval in 2023, will be the first test covered by Audere’s HealthPulse TestNow™ digital companion app. 

Learn more about Audere’s HealthPulse solutions by visiting https://healthpulsenow.org/.

*The MD SARS-nCoV-2 Antigen Device is a rapid visual immunoassay for the qualitative detection of the COVID-19 Nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) antigen from lower nasal swabs. It is intended to accurately diagnose acute infection and informs on whether the patient is currently infected. NOTE: This is different to antibody tests which informs on whether the patient has built up immunity against the virus. Using N-protein technology for the detection of viral proteins, the MD SARS-CoV-2 Antigen device is highly sensitive and can detect viral antigens down to a concentration of ~ 1 ng/ml.

About Audere

Audere is a global digital health nonprofit developing HealthPulse™ solutions to advance health equity in underserved communities worldwide. We operate at the unique intersection of global health and high tech, creating advanced, accessible software that revolutionizes the detection and treatment of diseases — such as malaria, COVID-19, and HIV. Our diverse team of passionate, innovative minds combines smartphone technology, artificial intelligence, and the best of cloud-based services to deliver HealthPulse™ solutions worldwide. Development of our projects is funded by grants and support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, FIND, and other global health partners. Learn more at auderenow.org.

About Medical Diagnostech

Medical Diagnostech was established in 2010 as a developer and manufacturer of lateral flow rapid diagnostic test kits. The Cape Town-based company manufactures high quality rapid diagnostic test kits using its secret methodology for increased sensitivity and early detection. Medical Diagnostech’s products are robust and are optimized to withstand extreme storage conditions for up to 24 months. Lateral flow tests are manufactured under ISO 13485 accreditation and include tests for alcohol consumption, drugs of abuse, HIV, malaria, pregnancy, fertility/ovulation and Covid-19.

Contacts

Audere

Jennifer Thorson
Marketing
(425) 835-3801
info@healthpulsenow.org

Medical Diagnostech

Johan Maree
+27 21 982 0673
info@medi-tech.co.za