Fast air testing for COVID-19 and flu
Multiplexed Airborne Virus Collection and Detection at the Point-of-Care
This project is building a portable device that collects viruses from the air and quickly tests for COVID-19 and influenza at the point of care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10767971 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is creating a portable air sampler that captures virus particles directly into a liquid to keep them intact for testing. They combine that sampler (called VIVAS) with rapid, multiplexed tests that can detect multiple viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, from a single sample. The goal is to get results on-site instead of sending samples to a lab and waiting days. Faster detection of airborne viruses could help clinics and public spaces spot risks sooner and guide infection-control steps.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include people with respiratory symptoms and individuals in high-risk or high-traffic settings (for example hospitals, long-term care, or schools) where air monitoring is useful.
Not a fit: Patients looking for a personal diagnostic swab test may not benefit directly because this work focuses on environmental air sampling and point-of-care monitoring rather than individual clinical diagnostics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide faster, on-site detection of airborne COVID-19 and flu, helping reduce transmission and inform quicker public-health responses.
How similar studies have performed: Existing air-sampling methods and rapid viral tests exist, but combining efficient liquid-based virus capture with on-site multiplexed detection is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Z. Hugh — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Fan, Z. Hugh
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.