Putting dogs’ noses to the COVID-19 test

Putting dogs’ noses to the COVID-19 test


If you’ve endured a nasal swab test for COVID-19, you may still be reeling over the intrusive procedure that’s come to be known as the brain biopsy. It’s a small price to pay to ensure that you’re safe from the coronavirus, but isn’t there a better way?

How about a few gentle sniffs from a tail-wagging dog?

Travelers in Finland are among the first in the world to be part of a trial involving the use of dogs specially trained to sniff out COVID-19. Canine tests take less than a minute and results are ready within seconds.

A highly developed sense of smell is just one of a dog’s super powers. Changes in health and metabolism can affect the way people smell, and dogs have long been used to sniff out cancers, infections and other dangers, along with bombs and drugs.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have had promising results in training dogs to detect the virus. Similar trials are underway in the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, where tests are reporting an accuracy rate of more than 90%.

The dogs do not come into contact with travelers. People who agree to the test swab their own necks to produce a sweat sample and submit it through an opening in a wall. They also take a standard COVID-19 test to check on the dogs’ accuracy. Researchers say it is unlikely the dogs will be infected with COVID-19 during the tests or that their trainers could be exposed.

There are a few drawbacks. Training the dogs is time-consuming and expensive. And dogs tend to get tired after a while.

But experts worried about the overstrained testing systems around the world are optimistic that these hero dogs can help turn the testing tide.

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