Smartphone-Based Covid Test Gives 97% Accurate Result In 20 Minutes: Here's How

A low-cost smartphone test can accurately detect Covid-19 in less than 20 minutes, researchers claim. Called the "Harmony Covid-19 test", it was developed by scientists at the University of Washington in the US.

Its researchers claim that the smartphone-based test for Covid-19 can successfully detect genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, news agency PTI reported.

Harmony Covid-19 test / University of Washington

Harmony test for smartphones

The Harmony test can reportedly produce accurate results in less than 20 minutes, as opposed to PCR tests that can take several hours.

How does it work? Of course, you require a small low-cast detector of sorts to capture a sample from your nose, similar to nasal swabs taken for PCR tests. The method is actually designed to be "PCR-like". What makes it stand out is the test's ability to work through a smartphone.

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Also read:?Scientists Develop Wearable Clip That Detects Exposure To COVID-19 Particles

Think of wireless headphones, but for detecting Covid-19. The smartphone is able to operate the detector and can display the results in less than 20 minutes.

Its creators claim that the detector can handle up to four samples to test for Covid-19 at a single point of time. In addition, it is handy enough to fit in a ?car's glove compartment.

The world is witnessing a rise in Covid-19 cases due to the more infectious Omicron variant of coronavirus. At-home kits have taken the global markets by storm. But those are antigen kits that are not as accurate as PCR tests. Those also generate plastic waste on a mammoth scale. This could mean the end of antigen tests as its creators claim that Harmony is 97% accurate when nasal swabs are used.

COVID-19 new variant omicron

Also read:?Painless 'Lollipop' Covid Testing Method Developed By Indo-Singapore Startup

Through their new company called "Anavasi Diagnostics", the team intends to develop a Harmony series of products based on the prototype to deal with the shortage of testing kits for Covid-19.

What do you think - should testing methods be easier and more accessible? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.

References

P. (2022b, January 25). Low-cost smartphone based test can accurately detect COVID-19 in 20 minutes. The Economic Times.?