Passive monitoring systems such as fully automated smart toilets that enable the detection of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) in feces could be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Previous studies have reported that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in stool even after resolution of lung symptoms and about five weeks after a test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA results. negative.
The team envisions passive smart toilet-based testing as an important strategy in advancing accurate health-based COVID-19 diagnosis.
The COVIID smart toilet platform includes washbasin mountable accessories for easy installation in densely populated public spaces such as shopping complexes, sports arenas, hospitals and schools. learn. They do not need the replacement of existing infrastructure.
The smart toilet features modules for fecal sampling and full automation and ultrafast SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection using in situ nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). In addition, smart toilet technology ensures effective cleaning.
The smart toilet has a built-in Quick Response (QR) code that can be scanned when a person sits down to defecate and can automatically collect a stool sample. Within minutes, test findings are collected and uploaded to a centralized and anonymous tracing network.
These tracing networks can be augmented to yield real-time data to determine COVID-19 prevalence. This will aid in preventing outbreaks and localized outbreaks by detecting pathogens.
The COVID toilet will serve as a centralized diagnostic hub in essential businesses to detect COVID-19 infection among asymptomatic populations and facilitate early diagnosis and isolation. Stool sampling will be automated with quick turnaround times for viral RNA testing and toilet seats/surfaces will be disinfected between users.
Users will register with the health portal or tracking network, which will then notify them of their test results in 15 minutes, linking them to medical care and providing advice and instructions from a doctor for isolation. Aggregated data can also be used for population monitoring to assess community burden.
Furthermore, the COVID platform’s tracing system can be linked via Bluetooth to Google and Apple devices and uploaded to individual smartphones, if individuals agree to provide mobile phone numbers. their.
Individuals who test positive will also be provided with information about mandatory quarantine procedures and validation tests.
Certain prerequisites must be met in order to use a smart toilet for COVID-19 surveillance. First, the turnaround time should be minimal.
This is accomplished by using ultrafast NAAT to detect viral RNA, which shortens detection time from several hours in standard NAAT methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to less than 15 minutes. .
Parallel running of SARS-CoV-2 detection in the COVID system ensures that the toilet is quickly ready for users.
Manual stool sampling is an unpleasant and disgusting procedure that would limit the use of stool for COVID-19 detection. As a result, the COV-ID platform’s sample collection process is fully automated. This reduces human intervention and increases patient compliance.
Furthermore, restrooms must be hygienic and prevent cross-contamination between COVID-19 samples. This prerequisite can be met by using a UV sanitizer to rigorously disinfect toilet surfaces and analyzers in the COV-ID platform.
A smart toilet is an Internet of Things (IoT)-based system that must be able to securely connect to centralized tracing networks to enable active user participation and aid in epidemiological identification. Learning COVID-19 will assist in developing COVID-19 guidelines and preventing future outbreaks.
This was met by using centralized tracing and transmitting information via Bluetooth to Google and Apple smartphone devices in the COVI-ID platform.
Another important prerequisite for the success of COVID is maintaining user privacy. The smart toilet platform will de-identify personal user information and only upload it to a centralized tracing network if the user chooses to provide their mobile phone number.
In addition to a COVID-19 diagnosis, the COVID platform can provide additional information on oxygen saturation and body temperature, which are important parameters for assessing the severity of COVID-19. The COVID platform also enables stool morphology analysis, which can detect diarrhea, a potential COVID-19 symptom.
To conclude, according to the study results, the COVID smart toilet platform provides a non-invasive, fast and convenient approach for passive and longitudinal monitoring of COVID-19.
The platform enables early detection of COVID-19 in asymptomatic infected individuals and thus facilitates the prevention of potential outbreaks. However, the success of the platform largely depends on user consent and acceptance.
Source: Medindia
