HUBBARD — Patent approval for a sub-one hour test to detect COVID-19 that was developed by a local biotech firm is on the fast track in a new program with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The application by NanoLogix for its enzyme-based test to quickly detect the virus was accepted into the office’s prioritized examination pilot program, which gives priority to applications covering a product or process to related to COVID-19.

The test provides rapid, accurate and sensitive detection and identification of the virus using the antibody for COVID-19, looking for and registering attributes of the virus’ spiked protein. Results are ready within an hour compared to three to five days with other tests.

The test, conceived and developed based on a diagnostic test the company created to detect bacteria infections during the Ebola wave in 2014 in West Africa, can be customized to detect other harmful viruses, including HIV, HPV, hepatitis, MERS and SARS-1.

An additional aspect of the test is for the home test configuration, which can produce results in about 30 minutes using a nasopharyngeal swab sample or saliva, according to the company.

The nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat behind the nose.