UC San Diego is developing sticker that works like a simple COVID-19 test on masks

SAN DIEGO (KABC) – Researchers from UC San Diego are developing a simple way to test for COVID-19 risks. The technology comes in the form of a sticker on the outside of your mask.

“This could have a major impact on the pandemic trajectory,” Jesse Jokerst, associate professor at UC San Diego, told KGTV.

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The test looks for the presence of a specific COVID-19 protease in the breath of humans. If someone wears the sticker on the mask all day, droplets will be collected.

“At the end of the day, you click on a small blister pack, and if it changes color, it means you may have been exposed to COVID and you need to look for some additional tests,” said Jokerst.

The test uses a technique called “colorimetric detection,” similar to indicators for home pregnancy tests.

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Jokerst compares it to a smoke detector. The test won’t tell you exactly what’s going on, but serves as a warning that you need to take further precautions for safety.
“That’s what we tried to develop. It’s a device that could say, ‘Hey, today there’s an increased risk, and everyone should be looking for some additional tests,’” explained Jokerst.

This kind of color-based test has never been used for viral detection.

Jokerst says once the pandemic is over, these tests can still assess the risk of diseases such as SARS and MERS.

KGTV contributed to this report.

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