COVID-19 RAPID RESPONSE: A HANDHELD DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE FOR COVID-19 IN MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING FACILITIES

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The overall problem that this research addresses is the spike in COVID-19 cases at meat and poultry processing facilities in the United States. This problem needs to be addressed because the health of facility workers is at risk and because a reduction in the workforce at these facilities could result in reduced availability of meat and poultry around the United States. This grant is funding OmniVis, which is a biotechnology company that develops smartphone-based devices for detection of diseases. The grant will fund research that specifically helps OmniVis pivot its technology towards a smartphone-based COVID-19 diagnostic test that can be used at meat and poultry processing facilities to quickly determine the COVID-19 status of workers by using saliva samples. The device also has a geo-mapping feature to help track outbreaks. This device could help better control outbreaks at these facilities and, as a result, help prevent interruptions of facility operations. Methods that will be used during the grant include (1) 3D printing of a saliva collection cup and (2) laboratory methods that measure the presence of genes associated with COVID-19 in saliva samples. The ultimate goals of the grant are to start tailoring the OmniVis technology for use at meat and poultry processing facilities and to start relationships with these facilities that will facilitate future adoption of the OmniVis technology. If these goals are met, the general impact of the grant will be a foundation of technology and partnerships that can be leveraged to help better manage COVID-19. Finally, societal benefits may include better control of COVID-19 in populations near these facilities and fewer interruptions of facility operations that might affect meat and poultry supplies around the United States.