Barcelona researchers develop a device that detects Covid in saliva

This low-cost, portable, and non-invasive device can detect very low concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 with a sensitivity of 91.2 per cent, and a specificity of 90 per cent, values ​​ similar to those of a PCR test, and offers a response almost as fast as an antigen test.

According to the researchers – who have published their study in the journal Biomedical Optical Express – this new diagnostic test using light is cheaper, and just as accurate as a PCR, and does not require specialised personnel and equipment.

The work has been led by ICFO researchers Rubaiya Hussain, Alfredo E. Ongaro and Ewelina Wajs, led by Valerio Pruneri, with the participation of IrsiCaixa and the Department of Health of the Generalitat.

IrsiCaixa researchers Marisa Rodriguez and Jorge Carrillo explained that since the beginning of the pandemic it was known that it was “very important to detect infected people to control the spread of the virus”.

“We decided to look for an alternative to PCR tests and Rapid Antigen Tests (TAR), that would combine the advantages and strengths of both tests, and that would detect SARS-CoV-2 infection from saliva samples, which are easier to obtain, and cause less discomfort to the patient”, they added, as reported by elespanol.com.

___________________________________________________________

Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to check The Euro Weekly News for all your up-to-date local and international news stories, and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.