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Researchers have developed a saliva-based COVID testing machine, named "DISCoVER", which they say could be a good alternative to PCRs and swabs.
A saliva-based COVID testing machine could offer accurate virus detection in workplaces and classrooms, and let users do away with nasal swabs, researchers suggest.
A team of Australian and international researchers has developed a system, named “DISCoVER”, that sees saliva samples inserted 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, researchers say.
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 study findings published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
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The study, published Friday, noted tests like PCR are conducted in facilities that require labour-intensive personnel and infrastructure.
Transporting test samples and then reporting them also greatly impacted 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 tests – 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.
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