Lex, Rome and Harlock. These are the names of the first three dogs (three more will be added) trained at the Bio-Medico Campus in Rome to distinguish the smell of a person suffering from Covid-19 from that of a healthy one. In a second phase, the dogs will be employed at the Campus swab drive-in: the indications of their scent will be compared with the results of the swabs. The trial aims to collect the results of at least 1000 analyzes to verify the effective effectiveness of dogs trained in screening activities. “This technique could be used in large events, such as matches in the stadium or concerts, but also in exchange places, such as airports” explains Massimo Ciccozzi, professor of molecular epidemiology at Campus. “It would allow for a much faster and much cheaper first screening than rapid antigenic swabs.” The trial should be completed by the end of the summer
by Francesco Giovannetti
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