Dr Zoë HydeJul 10, 2023
Imagine if you could rapidly detect COVID-19 in public places by testing the air. Now you can! Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new air monitor that can detect the presence of an infected person in as little as 5 minutes. (1/3) 🧵
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39419-z
Real-time environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols - Nature Communications

Rapid detection of respiratory pathogens circulating in indoor environments could facilitate improved infection prevention responses. In this proof-of-concept study, the authors develop a pathogen air quality monitor for real-time direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols and demonstrate its application in rooms of people with SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Nature
Show threadDr Zoë HydeJul 10, 2023

The compact device, which measures 12 x 10 x 10 inches, has a sensitivity of ~80% and can detect as few as 7 viral RNA copies per cubic metre of air with a resolution of 5 minutes.

The major limitation of the prototype is noise (75-80 dB; similar to heavy traffic), although the researchers are trying to develop a quieter version with low-noise motors and/or sound-proofing. (2/3)

Show threadDr Zoë HydeJul 10, 2023

The device currently costs about $1,400-1,900 to build, and 40 cents per sample.

However, the researchers believe that mass production will substantially reduce the cost of both the device and sampling (to as little as a few cents per sample).

This device could be a game-changing way to protect schools, offices, aged care facilities, hospitals, shops, and other public places from COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens (it’s not limited to just SARS-CoV-2). (3/3)

Show threadKevin Leecaster
@DrZoeHyde
What are the maintenance costs like? Scientific equipment is not cheap to keep working well in my experience anyways.
Jul 10, 2023 at 4:34pmWeb
Show threadDr Zoë HydeJul 10, 2023

@GreenFire There is more information about costs in the supplementary material accompanying the manuscript.

The researchers say that they’re “currently working with an experienced industry manufacturer for scale-up and mass production” so I think there’s a real possibility of purchasing and maintaining this for a reasonable cost.

Show threadWrathofJan 🌞🌻🌎🖖Jul 10, 2023

@DrZoeHyde @GreenFire

WOW!!!!

Show threadMeeschaatserJul 10, 2023
@GreenFire @DrZoeHyde Doesn't matter. Maintenance represents easy revenue. Having the workforce leave their workspace and continuously interrupting production however, isn't.
Let's face it: exploiters just don't think public health is valuable enough to be worth the effort of minimizing spread of desease.