COVID Breathalyzer

Researchers are reportedly working on a testing system that will detect COVID-19 in exhaled air. The device would be faster, less expensive and far more pleasant than the deep nasal swabs and associated laboratory analysis currently required. In addition, the tests would not need to be performed by specialized medical personnel.

The new device analyzes a sample breath for the presence of nitric oxide and two other metabolites that may be indicators of infection even before symptoms appear. The technology could help with early detection as well as monitoring the severity of disease as it progresses, enabling more timely intervention and therapy, and improving outcomes.

The goal is to make an inexpensive, handheld monitor that can display the results directly and/or transmit them to a physician. Ultimately it might be used to screen travelers before boarding a plane or to test students before entering a classroom. With the selection of appropriate biomarkers, the platform may also be modified for other diseases including diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer’s.