Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a wireless, sensitive, and disposable Point of Care (PoC) electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of COVID-19 antibodies.
Background:
COVID-19 is detected using two main methods: nucleic acid testing and the serological testing. Point-of-Care (POC) devices for both types of tests exist but they require significant operator involvement and must be performed in self-contained facilities. These tests also need the use of special equipment to prevent operator infection and sample test contamination from air-borne transmission of contagious viruses. New POC devices that are operator free, sensitive, and low cost, would be are needed to meet the large number of tests required to identify and control COVID-19 viral spread.
Innovation:
The presented invention is a wireless, disposable, and sensitive electrochemical immunosensor that can indicate the presence of COVID-19 at Point-of-Care (POC). The device can identify COVID-19 infection, or an individual’s immune response to the infection. The device will be full automated, enabling POC testing to be performed with minimal operator requirement and unnecessary personnel exposure to the virus. This contactless testing POC platform will provide the medical community with more information on if and how long a person has recovered from the virus and modified to be detect other virus, in the event of future pandemics.
Patent:
Apparatus and Methods for Wirelessly Powered Biosensors
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