Advanced Lipid-Based SARS-CoV-2 Detection
Most COVID-19 tests detect the virus only after it has had time to grow in the body, which can delay isolation and treatment. Current tools may also miss early signs of infection. This team has developed a blood test that can spot the virus right after exposure that will help doctors act faster that can be useful in detecting other diseases as well, before symptoms appear.
The Problem
Most COVID-19 tests detect the virus only after it has had time to grow in the body, which can delay isolation and treatment. Current tools may also miss early signs of infection. A blood test that can spot the virus right after exposure would help doctors act faster and could be useful in detecting other diseases as well. There is a need for a more proactive way to catch infections before symptoms appear.
The Solution
This blood-based diagnostic test for COVID-19 evaluates EVs (tiny particles naturally released by cells into bodily fluids like blood, saliva, or urine) for the presence of infection. Because they are present in the bloodstream and other fluids, EVs are easy to collect without invasive procedures. Data from a prototype show that the assay can detect infection as early as one-day post-exposure, and there is potential for use in other infectious diseases.
The Opportunity
This diagnostic tool will improve real-time decision-making in clinical settings, enabling faster treatment and better patient outcomes.
