The Use of IRM in the rapid diagnosis of Covid-19 [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Use of Infrared Microspectroscopy in the rapid diagnosis of Covid-19 from nasopharyngeal swabs
IRAS ID
282963
Contact name
Maneesh Singh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Biocel Analytics
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 0 months, 24 days
Research summary
In the current Covid-19 pandemic accurate testing remains an issue. The current method is labour intensive and requires the use of chemicals to get a diagnosis. This method is called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We are proposing a new technique where swabs or samples taken from the nose or mouth are tested immediately. The swab is applied to the testing area where an infrared light passes through the sample. This then changes the light and these changes are detected in a machine that produces a graph. Information taken from this graph are then used in mathematical formulas that tell you whether the virus is there or not. In this way we can tell if the patient has Covid-19. This test takes only a few minutes and does not need special chemicals to work.\nWe are looking to compare this new test with the established test PCR. In order to do this patients and NHS staff that need a test and will be asked for an extra swab that will be tested in the emergency department. We are looking to test enough people to show that our test is as good as or better than the current testing.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/WM/0135
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion