Covid-19 tests often include RT-PCR, but Dubai is now carrying out a trial to introduce a new breath-test to detect covid. The test is painless and only requires the individual to blow into a disposable mouthpiece connected to a high-precision breath sampler.
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The New Breath Test Involves Breathing Into A Disposable Mouthpiece
The breath test requires people to blow into a disposable mouthpiece, which is then collected into a breath sampler. This is in turn fed into a mass spectrometer for measurement. A software analyses the volatile organic compound (VOC) profile and generates the result in less than a minute.
Du Fang, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Breathonix, said: “The breath test is non-invasive and is unlikely to cause any discomfort, as the person is only required to breathe out normally into the device. It is also quick and easy to train people on how to carry out the test, so it can be easily rolled out to testing sites.”
The new test will soon be available for on Emirates flights from Singapore to Dubai. Speaking about the new test, Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said: “Emirates is glad to have been able to help transport Breathonix’s breath test system for this important study, and support Dubai in seeking and implementing innovative and effective approaches to managing the pandemic.”
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Dubai Becomes The World’s First Airport To Use K9 Dogs To Detect Covid Cases
The Dubai International Airport now has a dedicated area to detect Covid among travelers, using K9 police dogs. Passengers arriving in DXB will be the first in the world to be tested for Covid using dogs. Dubai Police earlier conducted experiments indicated that canines had the ability to quickly detect infected cases. This is because of the dogs’ strong sense of smell.
How Does The Test Work?
Samples are taken in collaboration with partners from Dubai Health Authority; results are out in less than one minute. Dogs are able to detect the infection from samples of human scent. The video shows a police dog sniffing the samples and sitting to indicate a possible infection.
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Travellers who fear dogs don’t have to worry as there is no direct contact between the passengers and the dogs. The animals are exposed to the samples, collected and kept in an isolated room.
