New breathalyzer from Texas A&M, Dallas company might detect COVID-19 in a minute or less

[Elderberry]

Houston Chronicle by  Gwendolyn Wu Nov. 19, 2020

New breathalyzer from Texas A&M, Dallas company might detect COVID-19 in a minute or less

Texas A&M researchers and a Dallas artificial intelligence company are developing a rapid COVID-19 test that would use a breathalyzer, rather than a swab, and potentially make it safer to hold large gatherings.

The testing device, housed in a kiosk that can fit in the back of an SUV, could be set up outside of large group settings such as schools, churches and corporate offices. People would step up to the device and with a disposable straw, blow into a copper hole on the front of the kiosk.

The system captures the user’s breath and analyzes it for compounds that a body generates when it’s fighting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19. Users would receive the results within a minute of the test through a mobile app.

“It’s all about establishing a controlled environment where people can interact and have confidence about it,” said Rob Gorham, executive director of SecureAmerica Institute, a network of public institutions and private manufacturing and technology companies based at Texas A&M. “It can create more normalcy around establishing these trusted group settings, whether it be an airplane or a football stadium.”

More: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/New-breathalyzer-from-Texas-A-M-Dallas-company-15739079.php

[rustynail]

No, it's trap.

[PeteS in CA]

Finding info about this is a bit frustrating. This article has a bit more info, https://sanangelolive.com/news/health/2020-11-19/texas-am-university-developing-breathalyzer-covid-test . It sounds impressive, but one question that occurs to me is how Covid-specific it is. It is narrowly specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus? Will other Corona viruses cause a "Positive"? Will viruses from different families cause a "Positive"?

Since the device is of moderate size, if it is of moderate cost and low maintenance it sounds like a good fit for smallish and in-store pharmacies, mobile clinics, and even for ER triage screening.

The real world being what it is, there will be other outbreaks or pandemics, and if this concept proves valid and specific, developing a test for the next virus will likely be quicker.