Ultra-Fast Electrochemical Sensor for Point-of-Care COVID-19 Diagnosis Using Non-Invasive Saliva Sampling
Posted by Adam Awdish on
Pooled Human Saliva from Innovative Research was used in the following study:
Ashwin Ramanujam, Sharilyn Almodovar, and Gerardine G. Botte
Processes
July 17, 2021
COVID-19 has shown that fast and reliable diagnostic tests are of the utmost importance during pandemics when viral infection rates are increasing at alarming rates. As we face a potential second/third wave of COVID-19 transmission the need for continued viral testing, as well as continued research into new reliable and rapid means of diagnosis, have become increasingly apparent.
The current standard method for SARS-CoV-2 detection is reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), however this method requires specialized equipment and facilities, trained faculty, and time to complete the test and return results. Other rapid-screening efforts have been employed, however many of them fall short in terms of early antigen detection and many sample collection methods may be uncomfortable or unpleasant for patients. Further, tests that are easier to perform like nasal swabs require reagents, such as viral transport media, which are susceptible to shortages and potential logistical hurdles.
Considering the difficulties posed by the testing nasal swabs, blood tests, RT-PCR detection, etc., researchers have started looking into using neat saliva as a non-invasive sample to be collected and used for early COVID-19 detection and diagnosis. In this study, an ultra-fast SARS-CoV-2 detection sensor was developed that proved capable of detecting COVID-19 proteins in a saliva sample within 100 milliseconds. Further results show that the sensor is able to distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses and matches the current gold standard for diagnosing early infection.
Related products available from Innovative Research also include:
Single Donor Human Whole Blood