1-minute breath test could spot Covid-19

A COVID-19 breath test that delivers results “within one minute” is being developed by UK scientists.

The technology, part of a project known as Toxi-triage, uses “breath signatures” to “rapidly distinguish Covid-19 from other respiratory conditions”.

Researchers say the non-invasive process could dramatically improve the experience of taking a coronavirus test as well as “play a part in restarting the economy”.

Their findings, published in The Lancet’s Eclinicalmedicine journal, were based on a study of 98 people, 31 with coronavirus, but more data is now needed to develop the test. Emma Brodrick, of Welsh diagnostics company Imspex Group, collaborating on the research with Loughborough University, the NHS and a German firm, said: “The two leading tests for Covid-19 – antigen detection and PCR – both utilise invasive means of taking samples, which may discourage some from getting a test.” Prof Paul Thomas, of Loughborough University added: “If shown to be reliable, it could offer... rapid identification of Covid-19 in emergency departments, protecting staff and patients.”

SUPER sniffing dogs are being trained to detect Covid in large crowds. The Duchess of Cornwall joined Health Secretary Matt Hancock at London’s Paddington station yesterday to meet Bob and Basil – labradors from the Medical Detection Dogs charity who are learning to sniff out positive cases. She called the dogs “simply remarkable”. The Health Department helped to fund the trials and dogs may be used in public by early next year.

HOPE New test