Clinical trial and detection of SARS-CoV-2 by a commercial breath analysis test based on Terahertz technology

Meila Bastos De Almeida, Regina Aharonov-Nadborny, Eran Gabbai, Ana Paula Palka, Leticia Schiavo, Elis Esmanhoto, Irina Riediger, Jaime Rocha, Ariel Margulis, Marcelo Loureiro, Christina Pettan-Brewer, Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Ivan Roque De Barros-Filho and Alexander Welker Biondo

PLOS ONE, 2022, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: Public health threats such as the current COVID-19 pandemics have required prompt action by the local, national, and international authorities. Rapid and noninvasive diagnostic methods may provide on-site detection and immediate social isolation, used as tools to rapidly control virus spreading. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate a commercial breath analysis test (TERA.Bio®) and deterministic algorithm for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 spectral signature of Volatile Organic Compounds present in exhaled air samples of suspicious persons from southern Brazil. A casuistic total of 70 infected and 500 non-infected patients were sampled, tested, and results later compared to RT-qPCR as gold standard. Overall, the test showed 92.6% sensitivity and 96.0% specificity. No statistical correlation was observed between SARS-CoV-2 positivity and infection by other respiratory diseases. Further studies should focus on infection monitoring among asymptomatic persons. In conclusion, the breath analysis test herein may be used as a fast, on-site, and easy-to-apply screening method for diagnosing COVID-19.

Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0273506

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273506

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