A staff member demonstrates the usage of Breathonix breathalyzer test kit in Singapore
(Picture: REUTERS)Authorities in Singapore have provisionally approved a 60-second Covid-19 âbreathalyser test, according to the local startup that developed the product.
The breath analysis, produced by Breathonix, a spin-off company from the National University of Singapore, will be carried out alongside the compulsory Covid antigen rapid test.
The system uses disposable mouthpieces and is designed to ensure there is no cross-contamination.
After blowing into the device, the technology assesses the chemical compounds of the breath to determine whether or not a person is infected.
Breathonix said on Monday that it is now working with the health ministry to run a deployment trial of the technology at one of the city-state’s border points with Malaysia.
The Health Sciences Authority’s website also confirmed the approval, which the company said was the first such system to secure provisional authorisation in Singapore.
The breath test achieved more than 90 per cent accuracy in a Singapore-based pilot clinical trial, the company said last year, and could be widely rolled out.
The tests would be sold for between S$5-S$20 (£2.66-£10.63) each, depending on the number purchased, said a company representative.
Any individual screened as positive will then need to undergo a PCR Covid-19 swab test, the company said.
It comes as Singapore reported 24 locally transmitted cases on Monday and re-imposed a tough month-long clamp down on social gatherings.
The rise in cases comes months after the country recorded almost zero or single-digit daily coronavirus tallies locally.
Breathonix said it is in discussion with several local and overseas organisations to use the system, citing strong commercial interest.
