With millions of Americans wanting COVID tests but coming up short, a new app could someday soon take their place — using your own cellphone.
Scientists from the University of California, Santa Barbara called the discovery a “potential game-changer” in dealing with the virus, and other illnesses like the flu.
The breakthrough, called smaRT-LAMP, uses a small amount of spit that’s scanned by the smartphone’s camera, and is interpreted by the app.
The researchers say the test boasts the speed and accuracy of the standard antigen and PCR tests, while costing much less.
Lead author Professor Michael Mahan said, “Nearly half the world’s population has a smartphone. We believe this holds exciting potential to provide fair and equal access to precision diagnostic medicine.”
Their findings were published in JAMA.