Beaumont says the new COVID-19 test can detect viruses in saliva, urine, and blood in 30-45 minutes.

DETROIT – Beaumont Health officials said they have developed a new test that can detect the coronavirus (COVID-19) in saliva, urine or blood in 30-45 minutes.

Researchers from the Aikens Research Center said the results were highly accurate. They said the test is relatively cheap to create and run.

“We need more testing options if we are to organize a successful public health response to COVID-19,” said Dr. Laura Lamb. “This is a quick test that does not require expensive machinery to operate and the materials for it are relatively inexpensive. The more options we have to try, the better. “

Lamb said the test could be used for screening at the point of risk, such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, cruise ships, naval ships, schools and prisons.

“Because this is an existing test, we are optimistic with the right resources, it could be ready for widespread use within a month or so,” Lamb said.

Officials are seeking corporate sponsorship to finance development, said Dr. Michael Chancellor.

According to Beaumont Health, the most accurate test results currently available take 24 hours or more to process, and those tests are expensive for some hospitals and clinics.

Lamb and Chancellor presented a rapid Zika virus test about three years ago, Beaumont health officials said.

“This only shows how working in one area can drive research in another,” Chancellor said.

Lamb said the screening test is based on the recommendations of Dr. Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984. Fauci said that rapid tests and tracing are the keys to containing the coronavirus.

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