The MAN TGE on a mission as mobile coronavirus test station

If a SARS-CoV-2 infection is suspected and there is a risk that it will spread to a large number of people in the vicinity, the rapid deployment of special mobile vehicles can help to interrupt infection chains in a targeted manner. Be it a single vehicle or a larger fleet, you can reach people at home, at work or school and in special places with acute testing needs.

The coronavirus test on board the vehicle is a fully automated molecular diagnostic test. A procedure with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is carried out.

Up to 16 individual quick test devices are integrated into the vehicle and digitally networked. In the context of point-of-care testing, they deliver fast test results, usually after less than one hour.

The term point-of-care testing (POCT) describes laboratory diagnosis which is not carried out in a central laboratory but mobile and close to the patient.

In both MAN TGE vehicle versions the swab collection is performed either in or near the vehicle. The actual diagnostics always takes place in the vehicle.

The special vehicles with automated point-of-care diagnostics on board can be ordered and operated by companies with occupational health service and fleet operators in the ambulatory health sector. The fully equipped special vehicles can be configured to suit the operator’s requirements and are ready for immediate use. Due to the medical requirements, these special vehicles are not suitable for private use.

There are basically two MAN TGE vehicle versions. The first version is based on the MAN TGE 3.5 T and allows high test capacities of more than 500 test results per day. The second version based on the MAN TGE 5.5 T has a dedicated patient room for swab collection, which allows rapid changes of location and up to 250 test results per day.

Based on the two versions of the MAN TGE 3.5 T or 5.5 T, individual configurations with regard to special equipment are possible, depending on the requirements of the operator. After a personal consultation, we will be happy to prepare an individual offer for you.

Test results are digitally sent from the test devices to the computer in the vehicle via WiFi, Bluetooth or mobile radio, where they are available both as PDF for forwarding and in HAL7 data format for connection to relevant interfaces. This allows automated forwarding to existing transmission systems and enables a completely digitalised process chain and traceability under applicable data protection regulations.

Flexible multiplex cartridges allow for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 as well as all other PCR diagnostics. In addition, the modular design of the special vehicle in accordance with the highest medical standards enables the use as a medical emergency services vehicle in general. In the long term, it can be used as an all-round vehicle for “testing, vaccination, donation”.

The PCR test carried out in the Vivalytic Analyzer is considered the “gold standard” for corona tests. With a sensitivity of 98 % and a specificity of 100 %, it is clearly superior to all other methods such as cheaper antigen tests with a significantly lower sensitivity. In addition to the mere detection of SARS-CoV-2, the PCR test also offers the possibility of testing other viruses, such as influenza A and B. The PCR test should be used especially in risk areas and local hotspots where the use of the MAN Coronavirus Diagnostic Vehicle is appropriate.

Multisectoral medical care and the intelligent use of innovative care concepts in rural areas is one of the top issues in the medical sector. In addition to its acute use to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the MAN Coronavirus Diagnostic Vehicle is a first innovative step towards broad and flexible supra-regional medical care. Solutions using an intelligent and digitally networked fleet can provide the basis for mobile medical care concepts.