A method to identify SARS-CoV-2 in a mere two hours has been innovated by researchers utilizing common mass spectrometers through MALDI-TOF spectrometry. Although the method is fast and flexible for identifying other pathogens, it’s not as acute in sensitivity compared to the PCR test.
According to a study from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can be consistently identified using mass spectrometers available commercially. The research, recently published in Clinical Proteomics, introduces an unprecedented method that takes advantage of devices already utilized in laboratories and hospitals for bacterial and fungal infection diagnosis.
From swabbing to results, the process takes only two hours. The scientists see potential in this method as it can be quickly tailored to recognize various pathogens, which may become a crucial asset in managing future pandemic threats.
This new approach involves taking a nasal or throat swab, which must be prepared for analysis by the mass spectrometer, taking mere seconds. In MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, a laser pulse sends the sample into the gas phase, and then the individual component masses are calculated.
Professor Andrea Sinz from MLU’s Institute of Pharmacy, an expert in mass spectrometry and proteins, states that this technique allows for the clear and direct measurement of individual coronavirus particles, effectively eliminating false positives. While mass spectrometers were demonstrated as capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 back in July 2020, the method at that time was laborious and needed specialized equipment.
A significant benefit of this method is that MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers are commonly found in laboratories and hospitals, utilized for bacterial and fungal diagnoses. The devices can even differentiate between virus variants. While not as sensitive as the most delicate corona test, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), this method is much more rapid and versatile, though it may not detect all infections with very low viral loads.
Lydia Kollhoff, the study’s lead author, emphasizes that in critical phases, this method could complement PCR due to its capacity to quickly analyze numerous samples. The swiftness and dependability of the results could aid in outbreak containment, and it can also be easily adapted to detect other pathogens in potential future pandemics, working alongside PCR testing.
Researchers in Halle aim to refine this method in collaboration with the University of Leipzig Medical Centre. Once optimized, the method will enter a certification phase to allow for clinical usage.
Reference: “Development of a rapid and specific MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection” by Lydia Kollhoff, Marc Kipping, Manfred Rauh, Uta Ceglarek, Günes Barka, Frederik Barka, and Andrea Sinz, 1 July 2023, Clinical Proteomics.
DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09415-y
The project received funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, along with the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation).
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword COVID-19 detection
What is the new method for detecting COVID-19 that researchers have developed?
The researchers have developed a new method using commercially available mass spectrometers and MALDI-TOF spectrometry to detect SARS-CoV-2 in just two hours. The process involves taking a nasal or throat swab, preparing it for analysis, and using a mass spectrometer to measure the mass of individual components.
How does the new COVID-19 detection method compare to the PCR test?
While the new method is faster and can be adapted for detecting other pathogens, it is not as sensitive as the PCR test. This means that infections with very low viral loads might not be detected.
Can this new method distinguish between different variants of the virus?
Yes, the devices used in this new method can distinguish between different variants of the virus.
Where was the research for the new COVID-19 detection method conducted?
The research was conducted at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), and the study was published in Clinical Proteomics.
What is the potential application of this method in future pandemics?
The research team believes that this method can be easily adapted to identify other pathogens, potentially serving as a valuable tool in managing future pandemics. It could be used in acute phases for rapid analysis and containment of outbreaks.
Is the new method ready for clinical use?
The scientists from Halle want to further optimize the method in partnership with the University of Leipzig Medical Centre. Following this, the method would undergo a certification process so that it could be used clinically.
Who funded the study for this new COVID-19 detection method?
The study was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation).
More about fokus keyword COVID-19 detection
- Clinical Proteomics Journal
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU)
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation)
- Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
6 comments
This seems like a big advancement! But I worry about the lack of sensitivity compared to PCR, especially with low viral loads. Can it rly be effective?
what about other viruses, can it detect those too. need more info
This is great news!! I hope they make this available in all hospitals, it could save so much time and maybe lives too.
Can’t believe how far we’ve come in the fight againt COVID. I remember when it used to take days for results. progress!
Does anyone know if its just as good as PCR? I mean its faster, but is it reliabel enough? Thanks
science never fails to amaze me!! How they keep inventing these things. However i still think they should work on the sensitvity part before it gets out there.