BGU Researcher Develops One-Minute Coronavirus Test
BGU Researcher Develops One-Minute Coronavirus Test
May 14, 2020
The Jerusalem Post — A new method of testing for the coronavirus that produces results in under a minute and has a success rate of 90% has been developed by Prof. Gabby Sarusi, deputy director of research in BGU’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and faculty member in the University’s Electro-Optical Engineering Unit.
Prof. Gabby Sarusi
In clinical trials conducted in conjunction with Israel’s Defense Ministry on more than 120 Israelis, results showed a success rate greater than 90% in comparison to the more common polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used in coronavirus testing.
“Right from the beginning of the trials, we received statistically significant results in line with our simulations and PCR tests,” explains Prof. Sarusi.
Now that this one-minute test has been developed, Prof. Sarusi is validating the effectiveness of the tests.
“We are continuing clinical trials and will compare samples from COVID-19 patients with samples from patients with other diseases to see if we can identify the different stages of the COVID-19 infection,” says Prof. Sarusi.
A breath-test device developed by Prof. Gabby Sarusi
The testing method consists of doctors taking a biological sample, such as particles from a breath test or from throat and nose swabs, such as ones already used for current tests. The samples are then placed on a chip with sensors designed specifically for this purpose.
Prof. Sarusi developed a breath-test device. It provides an accurate positive/negative result within a minute via a cloud-connected system.
The point-of-care device automatically backs up the results into a database that can be shared by authorities, making it easier than ever to track the course of the virus, as well as to triage and treat patients.
While other rapid testing methods have been developed and are in use, producing them is costly, limiting their availability.
This test is cheaper, making it more easily available. Each test kit would cost between $50 to $100 to produce, far more affordable than current laboratory testing.
Read more in The Jerusalem Post >>
Learn more about BGU’s COVID-19 Response Effort >>
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