DeepVerge’s nanochip-based COVID breath test could be ready this year

DeepVerge has announced trial data showing its COVID-19 Microtox BT breath test can deliver accurate results in under 60 seconds, with a potential roll-out later this year if further tests support it.

The company has already completed of the system that resembles a breathalyser in phase 1 and phase 2 studies with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the safety of laboratories.

It could be used instead of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which require samples to be sent back to a lab for testing – a process that can take several days.

Now the Ireland-based firm said that early data from studies shows the system can detect and identify the COVID virus S-Protein in quantities at 40 femtograms per millilitre at close to 100% specificity.