This paper presents a rapid diagnostic device for the detection of the pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) using a micro-immunosensor cavity resonator. Coronavirus has been declared an international public health crisis, so it is important to design quick diagnostic methods for the detection of infected cases, especially in rural areas, to limit the spread of the virus. Herein, a proof-of-concept is presented for a portable laboratory device for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using electromagnetic biosensors. This device is a microwave cavity resonator (MCR) composed of a sensor operating at industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) 2.45 GHz inserted in 3D housing. The changes of electrical properties of measured serum samples after passing the sensor surface are presented. The three change parameters of the sensor are resonating frequency value, amplitude and phase of the reflection coefficient |S11|. This immune-sensor offers a portable, rapid and accurate diagnostic method for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can enable on-site diagnosis of infection. Medical validation for the device is performed through biostatistical analysis using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) method. The predictive accuracy of the device is 63.3% and 60.6% for reflection and phase, respectively. The device has advantages of low cost, low size and weight and rapid response. It does need a trained technician to operate it since a software program operates automatically. The device can be used at ports' quarantine units, hospitals, etc.
Keywords: COVID-19; ELISA; coronavirus; diagnostics; electromagnetic sensing; micro-immunosensor; microwave cavity resonator (MCR); pocket vector network analyzer (VNA); real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).