TECHNOLOGY:
Rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in community settings
AFFILIATION:
Cotton Mouton Diagnostics Ltd, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY
Area:
Diagnostic technologies for identification of SARS-CoV-2 from human nasal, buccal, or saliva samples
Tech Brief: CMD are developing a small footprint, battery-operated version of their proprietary magneto-optical diagnostic platform to facilitate rapid testing of saliva samples for SARS-CoV-2 infection in community settings.
SHOWCASE SUMMARY
Org Type:
Small to Medium Enterprise
FIGURES OF MERIT
Value Proposition: We have two COVID projects running in-house currently; one focused on the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (to identify those previously exposed to the virus / possibly assess efficiency of vaccination) and another focused on the detection of viral antigens to identify active infection. The way in which our technology works, and the format of our testing system means that it would be plausible to screen for both sets of markers simultaneously. The results of both assays would be available within 15 minutes, meaning that immediate action can be taken where necessary. This would obviously have a considerable positive impact within the healthcare sector. Whilst in the short-term CMD are targeting COVID-related applications, the benefits of the technology are wide-reaching. Our system is unique in that it not only detects markers of interest (i.e., antigens and antibodies) but is also able to sensitively detect changes in sample viscosity. This is of interest clinically in determining plasma viscosity for example (increased in infection / inflammation) but also forms the basis of the test in our first product, which is focused on the detection of toxins in injectable medicines. It's a true platform technology with applicability across a range of sectors.