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No more swabs or blood tests to detect Covid-19! The American company InspectIR has developed a test in which it would be enough to blow to know if one is positive for the coronavirus.
This is a big first. The US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued emergency marketing authorization for the first test capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in breath samples. The performance of this test has been validated in a large study involving 2,409 people, including those with and without symptoms.
A 91.2% reliable test
It is a test of a new kind which has just seen the light of day. The “portable mass spectrometer”, developed by the company InspectIR, allows, like a breathalyzer, to detect the coronavirus almost instantly. In less than three minutes, he can indeed detect the virus thanks to the molecules blown by the mouth. If the result is positive, a molecular test should be performed to confirm the presence of the virus.
“This emergency authorization is an example of rapid innovation happening with diagnostic tests for COVID-19.”underlines Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the FDA.
A great step forward in detecting Covid-19, with the added bonus of a high degree of certainty: the device is 91.2% accurate for identifying positive test samples and 99.3% for identifying samples negative tests.
However, negative results should also be taken into account, as they do not exclude an infection. They should not be used”as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions”.
Breath screening test: where to perform it?
The test, a kind of instrument attached to a suitcase the size of carry-on luggage, can be carried out in doctors’ offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites. It is performed by a qualified operator, trained by a state-licensed healthcare provider.
Consult a GP online
160 samples per day
The American company plans to manufacture 100 tests per week, being able to evaluate 160 samples per day. Also according to the FDA, production should increase by 64,000 samples per month.
This new test would be particularly useful in places with high population density such as metros, shopping malls, train stations and airports.