A team of scientists from Oxford University’s Department of Physics have developed a quick diagnostic test that detects and identifies viruses in less than five minutes.
The method, published on the preprint server MedRxiv, is able to differentiate with high accuracy SARS-CoV-2, from negative clinical samples, as well as from other common respiratory pathogens such as influenza and seasonal human coronaviruses.
The test works on throats swabs with a microscope used to collect images of the sample. Machine-learning software is then used to automatically scan and identify if the virus is present in the sample.
The scientists have worked with clinical collaborators at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford to validate the assay on COVID-19 patient samples which were confirmed by conventional RT-PCR methods.
Professor Achilles Kapanidis, at Oxford’s Department of Physics, said: “Unlike other technologies that detect a delayed antibody response or that require expensive, tedious and time-consuming sample preparation, our method quickly detects intact virus particles; meaning the assay is simple, extremely rapid, and cost-effective.”
DPhil student Nicolas Shiaelis, at the University of Oxford, said: “Our test is much faster than other existing diagnostic technologies; viral diagnosis in less than 5 minutes can make mass testing a reality, providing a proactive means to control viral outbreaks.”
The researchers aim to develop an integrated device that will eventually be used for testing in sites such as businesses, music venues, airports etc., to establish and safeguard COVID-19-free spaces.
They are currently working with Oxford University Innovation (OUI) and two external business/finance advisors to set up a spinout, and are seeking investment to accelerate the translation of the test into a fully integrated device to be deployed as a real-time diagnostic platform capable of detecting multiple virus threats.
They hope to incorporate the company by the end of the year, start product development in early 2021, and have an approved device available within 6 months of that time.
