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Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 Patient Nasal Swab Samples Using Signal Processing.
Mahmoud Al Ahmad1,2, Lillian J A Olule1, Mohammed Meetani3
1Department of Electrical EngineeringUAE University Al Ain 15551 UAE.
IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing
|May 18, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a rapid opto-electrical method to detect SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swabs. The technique measures viral nucleocapsid protein and antibody interactions, providing results in under two minutes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Optoelectronics
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics
Background:
- Accurate and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for controlling viral spread.
- Existing diagnostic methods can have limitations in speed or complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an opto-electrical assay for differentiating SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative nasal swab samples.
- To assess the feasibility of using charge transfer transitions for viral detection.
Main Methods:
- An opto-electrical method was employed, measuring interactions between viral nucleocapsid protein and anti-N antibodies.
- Charge transfer transitions were analyzed upon light exposure in patient nasal swab samples.
- A Figure of Merit (FOM) was calculated based on relative sample variations at different voltages.
Main Results:
- The method successfully differentiated between SARS-CoV-2 negative and positive samples.
- Detection of SARS-CoV-2 was achieved within two minutes.
- An FOM threshold of >1 reliably indicated a positive sample.
Conclusions:
- The developed opto-electrical method offers a rapid and effective approach for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- This technique leverages specific protein-antibody interactions and opto-electrical principles for diagnostics.
