A Rapid Breathalyzer Diagnostics Platform for COVID-19

Background: A novel testing platform was developed to detect SARS-CoV-2 virions in a patient's breath. The platform was designed as a disposable breathalyzer that was not invasive compared to traditional sampling techniques, easy to use, provide rapid point-of-care results, and yield accurate reporting with high sensitivity and specificity.

Materials/Methods: To develop the platform, exhaled breath into a COVID-19 breathalyzer captured droplets and other emitted particles in a liquid impactor inside the collection unit. The captured particles were deposited onto a microfluidic chip that contained nanowell sensors (patent pending) capable of detecting the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The device used an impedance measurement approach to generate results within 20 minutes.

Outcome/Impact: The novel platform technology could be adapted to future needs and challenges, both as the virus causing COVID-19 evolves and as multiplexing capabilities are added to detect multiple viruses in tandem. The target product profile of this solution positions it against current and future viral antigen screening tests as an innovative alternative with practical advantages in ease of use, speed, accuracy, and non-invasiveness.