Dogs may be able to be trained to detect COVID-19, according to a study published on Thursday.
Detection dogs, like those that sniff drugs or explosives at airports, are taught to sniff for certain infections and diseases.
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Now, some countries are exploring the possibility of using those types of dogs as a rapid, reliable and relatively cheap way to pre-screen people for COVID-19.
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In a new study based in France and Lebanon, researchers took sweat samples from 177 patients at various hospitals. Ninety-five were positive for COVID-19 and 82 were negative.
Six dogs had their sniffing abilities put to the test and performed dozens of trials, with a success rate of 76-100%.
Experts say it’s a “promising first step,” but added that more work is needed.
The study was published Thursday in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE.