FRED-COVID™
A FRED-Bio Sensor
The Field-Ready Electrochemical Detector® for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
Rapid testing for real-time surveillance of wastewater.
The quick spread of COVID-19 has made testing and isolation of the virus (SARS-CoV-2) a key priority. Wastewater has been shown to carry SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, which can be analyzed to provide qualitative information that approximates the number of infected individuals within an area. A recent study from the Water Research Foundation showed a direct correlation between community infection levels and SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations found in wastewater systems. A rapid, simple surveillance tool is critical for scalable monitoring to continue for various applications.
The FREDsense Approach
Using our rapid analysis sensor platform, FREDsense is commercializing a portable field device for measuring the levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Unlike personal diagnostic tests, being able to measure viral RNA in wastewater will provide the necessary data required for public health professionals to determine disease prevalence, the infectivity potential of larger groups of individuals, and support initiatives to maximize the impact of resources available.
Existing efforts do not provide sufficient support for organizations or communities, with analytical lab techniques typically requiring at least 2 days, and often weeks, before data is available. FREDsense’s SARS-CoV-2 sensor offers results in hours, at a lower cost than laboratory analysis, while also enabling data-driven recommendations to inform public and private efforts to keep their people safe from future transmission of COVID-19.
Rapid monitoring of wastewater systems provides communities and companies with insights into how to best respond to changing conditions, protect individuals, and maintain operational safely.
How it Works
Step 1
Pre-process the sample
Step 2
Fill cartridge with prepared sample
Step 3
Place cartridge in detector—FRED will sense viral RNA
Step 4
Wait for the results to be transmitted
Step 5
View your data on your computer
Partnerships
FREDsense is partnered with one of the leading providers of wastewater treatment technology and services for commercialization and distribution of the system. FREDsense is also partnered with a number of wastewater treatment facilities and third-party testing labs located within Canada for field testing applications. We are currently in the process of in-lab validation of the testing system for SARS-CoV-2 and preparing for rapid field testing in early 2021.