BARDA is collaborating with Hememics Biotechnologies, Inc. on the development of a rapid, Bluetooth-connected SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test. The test is being designed to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigen from nasal swab samples and associated antibodies in 60 seconds or less through a finger-prick.
Using the nasal swab antigen test, healthcare providers can triage patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 rapidly and make informed treatment decisions. Furthermore, antibody testing of blood to identify serological antibodies indicates which patients have been previously infected, even without showing symptoms, and recovered or those who could be potentially developing an infection but asymptomatic and need care. The added convenience of this test being Bluetooth-connected to cloud-based data management networks may aid public health officials with real-time geographical mapping of outbreaks.
The HEMEMICS HemBox™ biosensor system is currently under development for a rapid detection, point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tool capable of simultaneously testing for up to 17 pathogens, using only one drop of blood or mucous. With results delivered in 60 seconds or less, clinicians could administer testing, diagnosis, and treatment in one patient interaction. HemBox™ is expected to offer an inexpensive, real time, rapidly deployable alternative tool for healthcare providers; the HemBox is being developed to be used easily in both traditional care environments and in the field for swift and accurate diagnosis of known and novel infectious diseases, like SARS-CoV-2.
