Rapid detection of SARS-CoV2 by Ambient Mass Spectrometry Techniques
Ford, L. L.; Simon, D.; Balog, J.; Jiwa, N.; Higginson, J.; Jones, E.; Manoli, E.; Mason, S.; Wu, V.; Stavrakaki, S.; McKenzie, J.; McGill, D.; Koguna, H.; Kinross, J.; Takats, Z.
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Ambient Ionisation Mass Spectrometry techniques: Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (DESI) and Laser Desorption - Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (LD-REIMS) were used to detect the SARS-CoV-2 in dry nasal swabs. 45 patients were studied from samples collected between April - June 2020 in a clinical feasibility study. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated as 86.7% and 84% for DESI and LD-REIMS respectively. Results can be acquired in seconds providing robust and quick analysis of COVID-19 status which could be carried out without the need for a centralised laboratory. This technology has the potential to provide an alternative to population testing and enable the track and trace objectives set by governments and curtail the effects of a second surge in COVID-19 positive cases. In contrast to current PCR testing, using this technique there is no requirement of specific reagents which can cause devastating delays upon breakdowns of supply chains, thus providing a promising alternative testing method.
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