Detect aerosolized COVID-19 in under 15 minutes

Airborne SARS-CoV-2 detection allows for adaptive mitigation of virus

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Smiths Detection’s team based at its Biotechnology Center of Excellence in Baltimore, MD, began developing a new capability to detect airborne SARS-CoV-2 with its BioFlash Biological identifier. The instrument collects and analyses air samples using sensitive, selective and rapid detection technology to identify the presence of dangerous pathogens onsite without the need to involve a laboratory. Results given in under 15 minutes.

More recently Smiths Detection began a collaborative pilot project with the University of Maryland Baltimore County, to offer the onsite testing capability for real-world use, aiming to help their Environmental Safety and Health (ESH) team with COVID-19 mitigation strategies on campus.

One early testing success came when a student working in a research facility tested positive for COVID on a diagnostic test. The ESH team used the BioFlash to test the facility’s air in three locations and received no positive result, confirming the space was safe to re-enter for students and staff, who could be comfortable in the knowledge that the area was COVID-free.

Separately, in a collaborative effort with the Sports Medicine Department, an aerosol test conducted in a locker room following a team’s practice resulted in a positive detection on the BioFlash. As the result of the positive environmental test, UMBC was immediately able to have the team and staff tested for COVID and found three individuals were positive for COVID.