This hand-scanner can detect harmful disease-causing viruses
What's the story
With the deadly outbreak of coronavirus around the globe, people have committed to cleaning hands regularly. The practice is said to be the best defense against the deadly disease, but you can often miss some key spots while washing hands, including those carrying harmful germs/viruses. So, if paranoia about coronavirus has hit you already, this hand-scanner called PathSpot can help you. Here's how.
Device
PathSpot to detect disease-causing viruses
Developed by biomedical engineer Christine Schindler, PathSpot is a device that helps you wash your hands better by showing the spots you might have missed. It can be fixed at a permanent point where you can scan your hands to see if they have been cleaned properly or any illness-causing viruses are still left. In essence, it helps detect various viruses on hands.
Detection
It can detect plenty of viruses, not coronavirus
According to PathSpot's website, the scanner "detects invisible signs of bacteria and viruses like Norovirus, E.coli, Listeria, Hepatitis A, and Salmonella" - all capable of causing foodborne illnesses. It is not rated to detect the novel coronavirus, but Schindler says that you can surely rely on it for the detection of fecal matter, which is being explored as a potential source of the infection.
Advantage
Still, you can wash hands better with PathSpot
Even without the coronavirus-detection abilities, PathSpot can be crucial to avoid the disease it causes. Basically, the scanner enables a more effective way of hand-washing. Once it detects contamination, you are prompted to rewash hands more thoroughly, which covers more spots and deals with all the detected and undetected viruses, including the deadly coronavirus. Please note washing hands is just a precautionary measure.
Target market
Device only available for enterprises right now
Currently, the PathSpot scanner is targeted as a dedicated product for enterprises, especially those engaged in the food industry. There is no word on its availability for individual consumers, but if you are a food packaging or processing business, this device can surely come handy in making sure that all your employees are washing hands properly before handling different food items.