Breakthrough saliva test detects COVID in five minutes

A new fast, portable saliva test for COVID has achieved a 'proof of concept' and is set for further trials.

The test uses a portable infrared instrument to detect the virus in saliva, explained Professor Bayden Wood, from Monash University, Dr Phil Heraud and collaborating Professors Dale Godfrey and Damian Purcell from the Doherty Institute.

The research is published today in Angewandte Chemie.

The team identified a signature of the infectious agent in the infrared spectra of saliva from 27 out of the 29 SARS-CoV-2-infected human subjects who presented at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with COVID-like symptoms.

“The most significant advantages of using this infrared-based technology on saliva samples include the speed and ease with which the test can be performed, its affordability and the reduced risk to both patients and healthcare workers,” Prof. Wood said.

The scientists are keen to see further testing with a larger patient cohort.

Prof. Wood said the technique could be capable of screening 5000 samples per day per instrument, with results for each sample being ready in five minutes.

Prof. Godfrey said the approach had significant advantages over standard testing. “As we know, this requires that samples are sent to a dedicated laboratory and results take a day or more,” he said.

Prof. Purcell said the proposed new test also avoided the discomfort associated with nasal and mouth swabs and could improve community participation in testing.

“A person can contribute the sample by simply dribbling into a sterile container,” he said.

“The result can be derived in less than five minutes and a rapid result minimises the delay in determining if quarantine is required, therefore minimising the risk of further spread of infection.”

Are you surprised it has taken this long for researchers to develop a saliva test for COVID-19?

2 comments

What a good idea.

Another stupid idea to use another test to keep everyone on edge, fearful and living with restrictions and surveillance when 99.9% of people recover from this and every other virus.

2 comments



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