A team of Slovak scientists has developed and produced a COVID-19 test which has been successfully registered. Scientist, biochemist and author of the key test component Pavol Čekan appreciated the synergy between the scientists, state authorities and academic institutions as well as the collaboration of the private and public spheres, which accompanied the development and production phase. Čekan explained that the Slovak test is based on a test that was developed in Germany via international co-operation and has been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). "We focused on optimising the key components which are responsible for the accuracy of the test," he remarked.
Scientist and member of the permanent crisis team Robert Mistrík highlighted the fact that the development, verification as well as certification process were completed in record time. Mistrík stated that the quality of the Slovak tests can fully compete with those seen in other countries and might even compare favourably.
The test was registered on May 14 by the State Institute for Drug Control. The first 100,000 tests of this kind will used exclusively on the Slovak public and will be financed by the foundation of the ESET internet security company.