Imagine being able to perform a COVID self-test at home and finding out the results within minutes. Researchers at Tulane University have created just that, a test that uses your own smartphone to give you results. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane said the saliva-based test has a 97-percent accuracy rate.
“After 15 minutes our cellphone readers to collect the image and you will know if it’s positive or negative,” said Dr. Hu.
The test must receive FDA approval first and Dr. Hu says a salvia test much easier, less invasive, and more consistent than a nasal swab. Dr. Hu said the cost will be minimal.
“It won’t be very expensive, and the kit is almost nothing and the cellphone everyone has,” said Dr. Hu.
Dr. Hu said the chip which is included in the testing kit can be used multiple times and, in the future, they hope to expand the smartphone testing platform so you can self-test for other common illnesses.
“What we’re working on is a multi-plex detection and we will include several other very common pathogens, including the flu,” said Dr. Hu.
Dr. Hu said he hopes the test will be available in three to six months.
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