A saliva-based COVID testing machine could offer accurate detection in workplaces and classrooms, and let users do away with nasal swabs.
A team of Australian and international researchers has developed a system, named DISCoVER, that inserts saliva samples into a microfluidic cartridge and then into a machine.
The process that follows generates a fluorescent glow if the saliva sample is positive for COVID-19, with the test taking about 60 minutes.
In trial runs of the new technology, the machine correctly identified 31 out of 33 COVID-positive samples and all of 30 negative samples, according to findings published on Friday in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
The study noted tests such as PCRs are conducted in labour-intensive facilities which require personnel and infrastructure.
Transporting test samples and then reporting them also greatly impacts their overall turnaround time, so an easy-to-use device with detection on-site would allow increased and more easily accessible rapid testing.
Alternative testing technologies can also help diversify the diagnostic supply chain, with some other methods - like swabs - limited by shortages.
The increased comfort of people being able to test their saliva, over getting a swab, should also incentivise patient compliance and their commitment to frequent testing, the study said.
"Overall, the DISCoVER system enables portable, rapid and sensitive viral detection for pathogen surveillance," the study authors said.
Health authorities reported 85 COVID-19 deaths across Australia on Friday, including 12 previously unreported deaths in South Australia which occurred between May 28 and August 10.
LATEST 24-HOUR COVID-19 DATA:
NSW: 9528 cases, 35 deaths, 2194 in hospital with 62 in ICU
Victoria: 5180 cases, 14 deaths, 550 in hospital with 30 in ICU
ACT: 474 cases, one death, 135 in hospital with four in ICU
Queensland: 3303 cases, 18 deaths, 543 in hospital with 18 in ICU
Tasmania: 3545 cases, no deaths, 20 in hospital with four in ICU
WA: 2327 cases, five deaths, 308 in hospital with 11 in ICU
SA: 1482 cases, 12 deaths (between May 28 and August 10), 256 in hospital with 10 in ICU
Australian Associated Press
