|
 Breathonix, a startup firm from the National University of
Singapore, says its test achieved more than 90% accuracy in a pilot
clinical trial of 180 people in the city-state and hopes to get
regulatory approval early next year.
Countries worldwide are looking to develop alternative tests to the
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) nasal swab, which is invasive and in
short supply in some places where demand has outstripped
manufacturers' production capacity.
Breathonix is currently expanding its trial in Singapore and hopes
to improve accuracy and get the green light to go commercial in the
first quarter of next year.
At US$20, Breathonix says its test would be 70% cheaper than PCR
tests, although infected patients would likely still need the more
sensitive PCR tests to confirm the diagnosis.
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"The breath test is more like a first level screen device," said Jia Zhunan,
co-founder and CEO of Breathonix, adding it could be deployed at conferences,
sports events and concerts.
The device uses disposable mouthpieces and is designed to ensure there is no
cross-contamination.
After blowing into the device, it assesses the chemical compounds of the breath
to determine whether or not a person is infected. Results are generated by a
computer within 60 seconds.
A similar breathalyser is being tested by a hospital in France, although experts
have warned the system may be too costly for widespread distribution.
(Reporting by Chen Lin; Editing by John Geddie and Martin Petty)
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