UC San Diego development sticker that works as a simple COVID-19 test on masks

SAN DIEGO (KABC) – UC San Diego researchers are developing a simple way to test the risk of COVID-19. The technology comes in the form of a sticker placed on the outside of the mask.

“This could have a profound impact on the trajectory of the pandemic,” Jesse Jokerst, an 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 human respiration. As someone wears the sticker on their mask throughout the day, they collect drops.

“At the end of the day, you click on a small blister, and if it changes color, it means you’ve been exposed to COVID and you should look for additional tests,” Jokerst said.

The test uses a technique called “Colorimetric Detection”, similar to home pregnancy test indicators.

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Jokerst compares it to a smoke alarm. The test will not tell you exactly what is happening, but it does serve as a warning that you need to take extra safety precautions.
“That’s what we’re trying to develop. It’s a device that could say, ‘Hey, there’s an increased risk today and everyone should ask for more tests,'” Jokerst explained.

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

Jokerst says that once the pandemic ends, these tests could further assess the risk of diseases such as SARS and MERS.

KGTV contributed to this report.

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