Ulster University researchers develop new Covid-19 app
By GC Staff Writer
Krishna Chaitanya Karanam 26 May 2020
Researchers at Ulster University develop new Covid-app for symptom checking, diagnosis, and contact tracing. (Credit: Ulster University)
Ulster University said that researchers from its Schools of Engineering and Computing have come up with a new Covid-19 app that can check for the virus symptoms and offer advice accordingly.
According to the Northern Ireland-based university, the new app gathers information, then asks for symptoms, helps in carrying out diagnostics, and then gives advice based on the severity of the symptoms and also risk factors.
It further claims that the data from the app can also be applied in aiding contact tracing and in informing policy and decision makers to help with their overall recovery strategy for Covid-19.
The university said that a novel add-on will enhance overall result accuracy by giving the app the ability to read an antibody test result that is carried out in the home setting.
The new Covid-19 app can be downloaded for open access development purposes. It has been presented to local, national, and international government bodies to showcase its new integrated concept of registration, symptom checking, diagnosing, and then contact tracking, said the Ulster University.
The university further said that the multimodal diagnostic algorithm in the app is said to enhance the overall operating characteristics through an increase in sensitivity and specificity. The Covid-19 app is now hoped to become the foundation of a new clinical trial led by the university on the use of integrated apps and antibody testing.
The app is also said to have the capability of handling data from biomarkers tests like RT-PCR tests and antibody home tests like the rapid Lateral Flow diagnostics systems.
Development of the Covid-19 app was headed by Professors Jim McLaughlin and Chris Nugent.
Ulster University school of engineering head Jim McLaughlin said: "At Ulster University we are using our world-leading expertise in data analytics, diagnostics and software development to develop solutions to help in the global fight against COVID-19.
"Building our XPrize Tricorder platform, this app can inform both the public and policy makers. It can help users to monitor their symptoms and seek medical advice when necessary and it provides key data that policymakers can use to inform strategy."