TORONTO Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario are developing an at-home saliva test for COVID-19 that can be ready in 20 minutes, something they say could be a key to returning to a normal life.
University of Waterloo professor Sushanta Mitra is one of the co-lead researchers on this project. He spoke with CTV s Your Morning on Wednesday to talk about the saliva test. The tests work by placing saliva on a paper device, which uses nanoparticles that can target the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If the paper turns red, that indicates a positive test. Results can be had in 20 minutes, much faster than the nasal swab tests that are currently used, which could take up to three days to see results. But Mitra says the speed of the test isn t the only advantage.
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Adding speed to COVID-testing
Researchers at the University of Waterloo are developing a new COVID-19 test that can be administered at home using saliva, aiming to deliver a positive or negative result in less than 20 minutes.
It’s a possible solution to the current delays in receiving test results and a much more pleasant option for those requiring frequent tests, researchers said. They hope the tests will become available over the counter at pharmacies across Canada.
“The use of paper devices coated with nanoparticles for COVID detection is a game changer.
Right now, COVID tests can take two to three business days to come back, and we know that’s too long,” said Sushanta Mitra, Professor of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering and co-lead researcher on the project. “This test will provide an immediate positive or negative so that folks who are infected can isolate immediately.”