Dogs are better at identifying Covid than some LTF tests, according to a French study. LTF tests are rapid immunochromatographic analyzes, which aim to detect the presence of a target substance in a liquid sample, without the need for specialized and costly equipment; pregnancy tests are LTF tests.
The test, conducted in March and April by the French National Veterinary School and the clinical research unit of Necker-Cochin Hospital in Paris, showed that the dogs were able to detect the presence of the virus with 97% accuracy. Dogs were also 91% accurate in identifying negative samples, the study showed.
A recent review of 64 studies found that LFT accurately identifies on average 72% of people infected with the virus who have symptoms, and 58% who do not.
"These results are scientific confirmation of the dogs' ability to detect the signature of Covid-19 olfactory signature," said the Paris hospital board, adding that the study - which is expected to be published in a scientific review - was the first of its kind. .
"These are excellent results, comparable to those of a PCR test," said Prof. Jean-Marc Tréluyer for Agence-France Presse. Tréluyer said dogs would not replace PCR tests, which are significantly more reliable than LFT tests.
Researchers in other countries, including Australia, Germany and Britain, have been experimenting with dogs to detect Covid, while Finland and the UAE last year began dog trials at Helsinki and Dubai international airports.
Sources: Agence-France Presse, Guardian
