Smartphones may be a key component to expanding at-home COVID-19 testing, according to a new study published in JAMA. 

Researchers tested the use of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based methodology (LAMP), combined with smartphone-based detection, for COVID-19 and influenza testing. The results indicated that the smartphone-backed system was able to reliably detect for the COVID-19 virus.

Study authors said that this type of technology has the potential to lower testing costs, and that it could be particularly useful in low- and middle-income countries. 

"The smartphone-based LAMP assay integrates reliable diagnostics with advantages of smartphone detection, offering an inexpensive diagnostic platform for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A and B viruses that match the CDC RT-qPCR criterion standards.

"The capacity to rapidly and accurately test saliva samples from populations presently lacking adequate vaccination levels and access to viral testing amidst the emergence of more highly transmissible variants is critically important."

TOP-LINE DATA

Researchers found that the smartphone system, when tested on 50 patient samples, demonstrated a 100% concordance with "CDC criterion-standard diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 sensitivity." It was able to distinguish between the 20 positive COVID-19 cases and 30 negative samples. 

"A head-to-head comparison revealed that the smartphone-based LAMP assay matched the performance of the clinical criterion-standard RT-qPCR diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 sensitivity and quantitative detection of viral load. This suggests that the smartphone-based LAMP assay is a reliable test for SARS-CoV-2 virus."

HOW IT WAS DONE 

The study, conducted at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, included two groups of participants: 20 who were symptomatic and tested positive for COVID-19, and 30 who were asymptomatic patients who tested negative for COVID-19.

Study authors tested the smartphone system on patient saliva samples. The results were compared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's criterion-standard reverse transcriptase–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay.

THE BACKGROUND 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep across the United States. According to the CDC data tracker, there were more than 74 million reported COVID-19 cases in the last 30 days.

However, many seeking COVID-19 testing have faced challenges in acquiring tests. In an effort to remedy this, the federal government announced its plans to provide every household in the country four free at-home COVID-19 tests.