SCIENTISTS IN SINGAPORE CREATE COVID BREATHALYSER TEST

A start-up company in Singapore called Breathonix has created the world's first COVID breathalyser test. They claim that trials have shown that the test could detect the virus within 60 seconds.

The group of scientists and researchers have managed to create a similar test to detect alcohol, with a disposable mouthpiece that's connected to a breath sampler unit.

According to Business Insider, the breath sampler "is linked to a mass spectrometer, a device that can observe invisible compounds in a person's exhaled breath. The machine then analyses the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – particles produced by biochemical reactions in human cells – in the breath sample to plot a 'breath signature'".

Once the breath signature has indicated that the person's breath has tested positive for COVID, a polymerase chain reaction swab test will be carried out so that the results can be confirmed.

The company also said that their breathalyser tests will be cheaper and much less invasive than the current tests used. Another plus is that it doesn't require a person to be medically trained in order to do the test, it can be done by anyone.

Watch the CGTN video below for more information on the new COVID breathalyser test created by scientists in Singapore.

Image credit: Reuters