Real-time RT-PCR test kit for SARS-Cov-2 wins Bao Son Award

A research project on a Real-time RT-PCR test kit for the detection of SARS-Cov-2 and a research project on freeze drying were presented with Bao Son Awards 2020.

The test kit for SARS-Cov-2 honoured at the award presentation ceremony. (Photo: HM)
The test kit for SARS-Cov-2 honoured at the award presentation ceremony. (Photo: HM)

Bao Son Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training held the award presentation ceremony at the Military Medical University on June 25.

The test kit for SARS-Cov-2 was jointly developed and produced by the Military Medical University and Viet A Corporation.

More than 200,000 test kits have been produced to serve the screening of SARS-Cov-2 at 63 hospitals and medical centres across Vietnam. More than 20 countries have negotiated to buy the test kits and 19,700 test kits have been exported so far.

The “made-in-Vietnam” test kit is of great significance, contributing to Vietnam’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic over the past months as well as raising Vietnam’s image regarding international science and technology.

The research project on the process of freeze drying was conducted by Assoc.Prof and PhD Nguyen Tan Dung and a team of colleagues from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education.

This is an elaborate and sophisticated research project conducted over 20 years on the most advanced drying technology which helps dried products keep their original quality.

The technology has been widely applied in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food technology and post-harvest technologies nationwide and in Southeast Asian countries, bringing about huge economic value.

Bao Son Awards have been held annually since 2011 by the Bao Son Group in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training. They aim to discover new inventions in the fields of education innovation, poverty elimination, sustainable economic development, healthcare and literature.

Four outstanding projects have been honoured with the Bao Son Award, with total prizes of US$120,000.