The technology, called Diamond, is 150 times more accurate than standard rapid tests, according to study.
The team of UT Dallas scientists that authored the study, led by associate professor of mechanical engineering Dr. Zhenpeng Qin, tested Diamond against respiratory syncytial virus, although the researchers say the technology can be used to detect other prominent viruses, like COVID-19 and influenza. Faster, cheaper and more effective virus tests are in high demand as the U.S. shifts into a new normal in the coronavirus pandemic. Though case counts are near all-time lows in North Texas, the highly contagious BA.2 variant continues to spread locally and across the country.A study of the largest hospitals
Researchers then inject the sample mixed with labeled antibodies into a narrow tube mounted on a glass slide. As the liquid passes through the tube, it’s hit by the beams of two lasers, one of which activates the gold nanoparticles, causing them to expand. Doctoral student Yaning Liu and Dr. Haihang Ye, research associate in mechanical engineering, work in a lab at UT Dallas.