NUI Galway Receive Grant to Develop Handheld Device for Rapid COVID-19 Testing

Researchers from NUI Galway and the University of Wyoming have received a grant of €199,720 from the Health Research Board to develop a handheld device for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The device, which they aim to have available early next year, will also test for antibodies to the virus in human samples.The test device is already being sold and the research team are currently developing a COVID test to work with it in order to produce and distribute large quantities within a short period of time. The rapid test will be capable of being administered by anyone, such as airport officials or school principals.

Hand-held, battery-operated device will carry out rapid detection of the virus using a laser in approximately 15 minutes
Device will also test for antibodies to the virus in human samples
Device could carry out rapid on-site tests in airports, workplaces and schools
Test can be administered by anyone, without medical or scientific training