Photonic technology enables fast, sensitive saliva test for COVID-19

Researchers from ICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences and IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, both in Spain, have demonstrated a new low-cost portable instrument that manipulates light and fluid for fast and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples. Although still in the research stage, the new device could offer a higher sensitivity than today's COVID-19 rapid antigen tests while also being faster and more cost-effective than PCR tests.