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Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have created a rapid breath test that can promptly detect individuals carrying the COVID-19 virus. The device delivers results in under a minute with just one or two breaths.
The recent research revolves around a breath test that could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool in medical settings for rapidly identifying individuals with COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, in the event of new COVID-19 strains or other airborne diseases, these devices could be employed to screen individuals at public gatherings.
The scientists suggest that the breath test also holds promise in preventing outbreaks in scenarios where people reside or interact closely, such as on ships, in nursing homes, college or university residence halls, or military bases.
The device’s biosensor was derived from a technology initially designed by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to detect Alzheimer’s disease-related proteins like amyloid beta in mice’s brains. The study’s co-corresponding authors, John R. Cirrito, a neurology professor, and Carla M. Yuede, a psychiatry associate professor from the School of Medicine, adapted a nanobody (a llama-derived antibody) to detect the COVID-19 virus.
Chakrabarty and Cirrito expressed that the breath test has the potential to be adapted for the simultaneous detection of various viruses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Furthermore, they believe they can create a biodetector for any newly emerging pathogen within two weeks of receiving samples.
Cirrito compared the breath test to a breathalyser test used for checking impaired drivers. He highlighted the benefits of the breath test, especially when quick testing is essential, such as before entering hospitals, sports arenas, or sensitive places. While other testing methods like 15-minute nasal swabs and PCR tests take longer, the breath test promises greater diagnostic accuracy than home tests, often producing false negatives.
The researchers initiated the development of the breath test device, utilising 3D printers, following a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) received in August 2020 amid the initial phase of the pandemic. They have since conducted trials on prototypes both in the laboratory and at the Washington University Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit. The team’s ongoing efforts aim to enhance the device’s effectiveness in detecting the virus in individuals.
During the study, the research team examined COVID-19-positive individuals who exhaled into the device two, four, or eight times. Remarkably, the breath test yielded no false negatives and provided accurate results after just two breaths from each participant. The clinical study continues to assess both COVID-positive and -negative individuals to evaluate further and refine the device’s performance.
Additionally, the researchers observed that the breath test successfully identified various strains of SARS-CoV-2, including the original strain and the omicron variant. Their clinical studies are actively monitoring the presence of active strains in the St. Louis area.
The researchers inserted a straw into the device to perform the breath test. The patient blows into the straw, causing aerosols from their breath to collect on a biosensor within the device. Subsequently, the device is connected to a small machine that interprets the signals from the biosensor. Within a minute, the machine provides a definitive positive or negative result for COVID-19. As clinical studies continue, the researchers plan to extend the device’s use to clinics beyond Washington University’s Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit.
