Nadin Nagy Younes - العربية

Nadine Younes innovation is "NorTest", a rapid, fluorescent-based diagnostic test for norovirus that offers laboratory-level accuracy at the point of care. Driven by the need for robust outbreak preparedness and rapid diagnosis in interconnected communities, her invention provides a quick solution by eliminating the need for complex laboratory infrastructure.

Unlike traditional rapid tests that rely on visual color changes, NorTest uses a fluorescent detection signal, offering significantly higher sensitivity. By placing a patient sample on a test strip, the result is read by an integrated digital reader, providing objective results and eliminating interpretation bias.

This unique combination of fluorescent detection and an optimized test design greatly enhances analytical performance and achieves strong compatibility with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the standard laboratory method.

NorTest is designed for early detection, enabling faster clinical decisions, immediate isolation, and improved infection control, making it a key tool for combating disease outbreaks and particularly suitable for enclosed environments such as hospitals and cruise ships.

Its future plans include completing regulatory approval, expanding its innovation to include healthcare and public health workflows, and building a scalable diagnostic platform that enhances preparedness for disease outbreaks in Qatar and beyond.