Researchers from Durham University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine (LSHTM) revealed that gadgets can detect COVID-19. In other words, it will generate an odor fingerprint that sensors can pick up.
How do COVID-19 infections get picked up by gadgets?
Studies show that the covid-19 infections have a distinct smell. This smell is how tracker dogs can detect infections. It is a result of changes in the volatile nature of organic compounds that make up body odor. This generates an odor fingerprint. This technology has the potential to become an important covid screening tool.
Results are promising and were led by scientists from LSHTM and RoboScientific Ltd, along with Durham University. The tool can be an accurate, non-invasive, and rapid diagnosis method. However, “Further testing is required to confirm if these results can be replicated in real-world settings,” said Professor James Logan, the Head of the Department of Disease Control at LSHTM and the lead of the study. If developed successfully, it can help guard against future outbreaks.
What does the research say?
The study used body odor samples from used socks of 54 individuals. Samples analyzed using Model 307B VOC analyzer and 12 OCS sensors captured the odor profiles. They were mainly aldehyde and ketone-based compounds. The tests showed an average of 98 percent specificity for covid-19. This means that there is a low risk of false-positive test results.
Can we use it for other diseases?
Yes! This technology can detect various diseases. This is possible because diseases have distinct and exact smell profiles. Additionally, research shows that VOC analyzers can detect specific differences between patients’ positive and negative for coronavirus.
“Our experience in consumer electronics, coupled with five years developing our unique sensors for agricultural applications, has enabled us to create a new way of sensing VOCs,” said Stan Curtis, the CEO of RoboScientific.
Undoubtedly, this cannot replace RT-PCR testing. However, it can be a lifesaver when installed in public spaces. After all, identifying and isolating infections is the main way to handle the pandemic. Also, dogs with their keen sense of smell are helping in COVID-19 detection.