Researchers at Wynnewood-based Lankenau Institute for Medical Research have developed a rapid diagnostic test to detect the Delta variant in COVID-19 patients they are calling “groundbreaking,” writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Dr. Scott Dessain, the institute’s chairman of clinical and oncology research, led the project.

According to LIMR officials, this is the first rapid test that can identify any of the COVID-19 variants. It could also serve as a basis for detecting any potential variants of concern in the future.

“This test stands to have positive ramifications nationally and internationally and it is because of the extraordinary work of Scott and [assistant investigator Rama Puligedda],” said George Prendergast, LIMR’s CEO. “At the outset, scientists said this type of test was not possible.”

The test was developed with the help of clinicians at Main Line Health‘s hospitals.

They found patients who were willing to take part in helping the institute determine the effectiveness of the test. LIMR is also part of Main Line Health.

LIMR is currently seeking to license the pioneering technology to make it available to patients.

Read more about the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research’s rapid diagnostic test to detect the Delta variant in COVID-19 patients in the Philadelphia Business Journal.