Researchers affiliated with the Ministry of Science are developing a test to be conducted by cell phone

Researchers at the Renato Archer Center for Information Technology, affiliated with the Ministry of Science and Technology, have developed a test that detects COVID-19 through a saliva sample. The device is connected to a cell phone and the result appears within 15 minutes.

How it works: The USB reader is attached to the cell phone with a chip containing a drop of the patient’s saliva. Then the result appears on the mobile phone screen. Efficiency according to the ministry “It is similar to RT-PCR, which clears the nasal mucosa for evaluation and is considered by the community to be the most effective”.

The initiative was developed by researchers with a grant from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) to folder locationAline Macedo Faria, who was involved in the research, says that the sensor, due to its speed and low cost, allows for comprehensive testing.

“Moreover, since the device is portable, it also allows testing to be carried out even in areas where there are no clinical analysis laboratories, with results being obtained in real time.”Varia added.

The test will initially be done to detect other diseases such as dengue fever, Zika and chikungunya. But with the pandemic, the focus has shifted to the coronavirus.

Brazilian biotechnology company Visto.Bio is involved in developing the test. Renan Serrano, a company representative, said it is progressing in the final stages of clinical trials and then seeking to organize with Anvisa.