An adapted testing method could eliminate the need for uncomfortable nasal passage swabs, reduce costs and increase mobility of testing used to detect the coronavirus, says Metro Detroit’s Beaumont Health, whose researchers developed the testing methods.
Beaumont Health researchers Dr. Laura Lamb and Dr. Michael Chancellor developed a testing technique to detect COVID-19 in under 45 minutes using urine, blood, saliva or mouth-swab samples, Royal Oak’s Beaumont Health said in a statement issued Wednesday, July 1.
The doctors developed technology for rapid testing of the Zika virus nearly three years ago and applied the methods for use in COVID-19 testing.
“Compared to existing technology,” study results using the methods have been “highly accurate” and are “relatively inexpensive to develop and operate,” Beaumont Health said in a statement.
“We need more testing options if we’re going to stage a successful public health response to COVID-19,” Lamb said. “This is a rapid test that does not require expensive machinery to run and the materials for it are relatively inexpensive. The more options we have for testing, the better.”
Currently, most COVID-19 test samples are collected in the field — a doctor’s office or one of Michigan’s 300-plus designated testing sites — and sent to a lab for analysis by usually expensive machines.
Collection involves the patient tipping their head back and receiving the nearly six-inch-long collection lance, which looks like an unfortunately long Q-tip, up a nostril.
Related: Website allows residents to find free COVID-19 test sites
Once up into the nostril, the collector tilts the swab forward and pushes it about three inches toward brain stem, stopping when the tip hits the pharynx, the part of the airway that connects the nose to the throat.
The test swab is then packaged and sent to a lab for analysis. Helix Diagnostics in Waterford, a lab MLive toured in April, said analysis requires two machines and usually takes at least five hours. Realistically, the turnaround from receipt of the sample to communicating results could take two to three days.
The Beaumont Health testing method can be mobile and uses less expensive lab analysis equipment, Beaumont Health spokeswoman Maryann Macleod said.
It “could be used for screening at the point of risk – such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, cruise ships, naval ships, within the school and prison systems, and by large employers, for example, at an Amazon warehouse or meatpacking plant.” Lamb said. “Because this is an existing test, we are optimistic with the right resources, it could be ready for widespread use within a month or so.”
Chancellor said the next step in expanding use of the method involves securing corporate funding.
A study and explanation of the testing methods was published for peer review on June 12.
Since the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Michigan, more than 1 million diagnostic tests have been administered, according to state data.
Based on previous Centers for Disease Control recommendations, Michigan has set a goal of performing 30,000 coronavirus tests per day.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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