Scientists have shown a device for detecting coronavirus

Engineers from Yale University have developed a wearable device that helps people assess whether they have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Called the Fresh Air Clip, this miniature clip-on gadget can be attached to clothing to capture aerosolized viral particles in the environment. Pathogens are captured by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

The effects of SARS-CoV-2 can be detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, for which the device will need to be sent to the laboratory.

In the study, more than 60 volunteers were provided with clips and wore them for five days. Five devices tested positive - they were worn by four waiters in restaurants and one employee of a homeless shelter, where the risk of infection was particularly high.

In all cases, Fresh Air Clip was able to not only confirm contact with SARS-CoV-2 even before the onset of symptoms, but also to quantify the effect of the virus. In other words, the gadget was able to measure the concentration of infectious particles in a person's environment.

Krystal Pollitt, who is working on the device, says one interesting potential use is devices can be used to test ventilation efficiency in hospital wards with covid patients or even in public places.

The next big step in improving the device will be the development of ways to provide real-time notification of the impact of the virus. If the Fresh Air Clip does not have to be sent to the laboratory every time, then the reaction rate to a possible COVID-19 infection will be significantly reduced.