Researchers of KJ Hospital Research and Postgraduate Center in Chennai have successfully developed and demonstrated a human palm-sized device, which they claim can detect Covid-19 based on parameters such as Zetapotential, blood pressure, body temperature, Oxygen saturation, blood count, all in a matter of seconds.
That too, with no pricks and invasive methods. Just place your palm covered in a plastic glove (to prevent infection) on the device and within seconds the results flash on the connected computer, as against the minimum 6 hours required to get an RT-PCR test result.
This technology is based on being able to measure the very small quantity of electricity that is generated by the living human body. Ideally, it ranges between 23 and 25milliVolt(mV) in a normal person. But according to the findings of the researchers, those infected with a virus would show 20-22mV readings, whereas those infected with COVID-19 could show readings of 5-15mV.
The sensors would also be able to detect the low blood oxygen saturation, and the low count of White blood cells(WBC), Red Blood cells(RBC) and platelet count, blood pressure besides the above-normal body temperature (fever).
The team says that this idea stemmed during their study conducted on Cancer patients, which showed a Zetapotential of upto 68mV, which indicates high temperature, current and a rapid multiplication of cells.
The lessons learnt from their work in using copper and silver nanoparticles in prosthetic heart valves to prevent blood clots, infections also contributed to the latest breakthrough to combat Covid-19.
“We verified the results of our device with the RT-PCR test results of hundreds of patients coming into the Stanley and Omandurar Hospitals in Chennai. There was a 100% match with the RT-PCR results and a nearly 98% match when compared to the standard blood count test” Dhejasvee Rajagopal and Arun Inbaraj research associates with KJ research Foundation told Zee Media.
While it cost around Rs.10,000 to develop the device over the last 15 months, the team are hopeful that their manufacturing partners will be able to produce it for much less, when done in bulk. The team has filed a patent on the device and also published a research paper on its working.
“My role is ideation, Research & development, there are other partners who will be taking it up for commercial manufacturing and exploitation. We are a unit that is recognized by the Department of Science and technology, Government of India” Dr. Jegadeesan, FRCS, Founder and Chief Surgeon of the Hospital told Zee Media.
