UK: Dogs can detect COVID-19 with up to 94% accuracy, preliminary study has found

Whose smell can biosensor dogs recognize? COVID-19 According to a preliminary study published this Monday by the British Association of Medical Detection Dogs, with an accuracy rate of up to 94%.

Research conducted in conjunction with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Durham University used samples from more than 3,750 people, such as shirts, Masks And used socks, trained to recognize six dogs COVID-19.

Preliminary results, still pending external review by other scientists, show that dogs were able to identify the disease in 94% of cases, with a higher accuracy compared to antigen tests of between 58% and 77% is.

Preliminary studies also show that a single dog can test up to 250 people in an hour, which is much faster than other methods of detection. COVID-19, Experts point out.

The implication

Research indicates that trained dogs can be very helpful as a first rapid detection device in public places, such as airports, if used in conjunction with traditional methods such as PCR testing to confirm results .

“Knowing that we can use the amazing power of the dog’s nose to find out COVID-19 Quickly and non-aggressively gives us hope to return to a more normal way of life, ”Claire Guest, Scientific Director of Medical Detection Dogs and lead author of the test, said in a statement.

In the study, dogs – four Labradors, a Golden Retriever and a Working Cocker Spaniel – sampled on a support system that required a “yes or no” decision in each case.

If they. Identified the presence of COVID-19, The dogs gave instructions such as sitting, pushing or staring forward, and if they were right, they were rewarded with food or toys.

EFE

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