Scientists have taken a huge leap towards slowing the spread of the coronavirus , after developing a novel breath test for the disease.
The test was developed by researchers from Northumbria University, and can detect biomarkers such as DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids from a single breath sample.
While similar breath sampling methods have been developed in the past, they’ve not been found to be reliable enough due to contamination, sample loss and variability issues.
However, the new device resolves these issues, meaning breath samples resemble those taken from the lungs surgically.
Dr Sterghios Moschos, who led the study, said: “Our ambition is to reduce the need for bloodletting for diagnosis in its broadest sense.
“The research evidence that shows this is possible is well established, what is missing is the standardised and reliable approach to do so outside the research lab: in pharmacies, GP surgeries or the back of an ambulance, for example.”
The researchers believe the breath test could be used to provide quick and reliable testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Dr Moschos added: “In the case of Coronavirus, temperature monitoring in airports is not sufficient. The World Health Organisation currently recommends testing nasal swabs, oral swabs and swabs from inside the lungs to avoid missing the infection.
“That’s why it’s vital that we develop non-invasive, quick and cost-effective tests for diagnosis and screening.”
In the future, the technology could also be used to diagnose a range of other diseases, according to the researchers.
This includes lung disease, diabetes, cancers, liver problems, and brain and ageing issues.
Unfortunately, it remains unclear when or where the device could be used in coronavirus screening, or how much it would cost the NHS to implement.
