A device that can analyze COVID-19 from breath samples has been developed in Wales. Researchers at Imspex Diagnostics used technology that detects lung cancer to create a device that can identify the coronavirus from other respiratory infections, and hope to have it ready for general use by May 2021.

According to the International Business Times, trials have been conducted in several countries to determine the accuracy of the breath test. So far, scientists have determined that COVID-19 leaves a specific signature in expelled breath samples that has been confirmed by traditional nasal swab testing.

The University of Miami is currently testing another breath test developed by Israeli researchers to detect the disease. According to a news release, the university is “the first college testing site for a quick, easy, and cost effective Israeli-produced COVID-19 Breath Analyzer that could revolutionize coronavirus testing if approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”

“It’s as simple as a kazoo — you just blow into it. And if it works, it will be a game changer,” said Dr. Roy E. Weiss, M.D., chairman of the department of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “It would allow us to test at a fraction of the cost and time of our current nasal swab test and as frequently and whenever necessary. There could even be stations before a football game. People would blow into the tube, get their results in a minute, and then if they’re negative, go in an enjoy the game.”

The Israeli-based TeraGroup, the developers of the test, stated that the COVID-19 Breath Analyzer works like the roadside breathalyzer tests used by law enforcement officers but instead of measuring blood alcohol, a freestanding scanner looks for COVID-19, said the university news release.

“You breath is not dry,” Dr. Weiss explained. “It contains moisture, and that moisture contains droplets. And if you have COVID-19, the virus will be in those droplets.”