Tech Trends

Corowell COVID-19 Symptom Screening Test

(Starts at $10/month, no charge to consumer, Corowell)

A major contributor in the fight against the pandemic is the ability to test for COVID-19. Test availability, accuracy, speed and ease of use are factors in evaluating which tests are appropriate to use. Throughout the pandemic, people have become familiar with either rapid antigen or PCR testing. Rapid antigen tests are popular because they can be performed at home with results typically available in 15 minutes but require an uncomfortable nasal swab. Corowell is a different type of test that utilizes a symptom screening app and “scratch and sniff” smell identification to determine in as little as 60 seconds if someone is infected with COVID-19.

Corowell is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved as a COVID-19 symptom screening test. The test comes in a sealed packet the size of a standard index card. Patients download the Corowell app, enter their personal information including applicable health insurance details, open the test and scan the unique QR code on the card inside. After answering a series of symptom screening questions, patients are directed to “scratch and sniff” an area on the card to identify the scent. The identification is followed up with a question asking patients to rate their confidence in determining the scent. The app then takes the answers and applies machine learning from its global database of responses to determine whether the patient is infected with COVID-19. Patients who pass the test receive an “all clear” result that can be added to their Apple or Google Wallet. Patients who fail the test are encouraged to obtain further testing to rule out a COVID-19 infection. Each test contains a randomized scent, and its proper identification alone does not lead to a definitive diagnosis. Clinical data from the manufacturer has shown the test has a 90% sensitivity, 96% specificity and can detect COVID-19 as early as three days postinfection. The test is noninvasive, quick, easy and can be used anytime and anywhere. There are no out-of-pocket costs for patients, as the manufacturer bills insurance companies directly for testing.

Keeping offices and organizations healthy and safe from COVID-19 is important in helping to bring the pandemic to an end. The availability of faster and easier methods to test patients, providers and staff can lead to greater compliance and acceptance. With its unique

— Hubert Chan, DDS

Tech Pack 2 ($210, Aer Designs LLC)

As travel and in-person work ramps up, people will need to (once again) haul their gear from one location to another. Whether it’s a consultant presenting at meetings or a dental specialist going to a general practitioner’s office, having a protective and comfortable backpack is essential for those on the move. Aer, a San Franciscobased company started in 2014 as a crowdfunding project that aimed to combine a gym and office bag into one design, specializes in creating minimalist, durable and functional travel gear. It’s latest offering, the Tech Pack 2, is billed as the “ultimate tech backpack.”

The Tech Pack 2 certainly lives up to Aer’s goals of minimalistic design. With a 17 L capacity, it is considered a medium to large bag and is twice the weight of many other competitors at 3.8 pounds. This all-black backpack hides nearly all of its features thanks to its waterproof, carbonate polyurethane face and YKK AquaGuard zippers, and it has a plethora of features. The Tech Pack 2 has three main compartments: a padded pouch for everyday items, two-side pouches and two handles. The Tech Pack 2 can comfortably and safely hold two 15-inch laptops, two tablets, all the peripherals for each device (e.g., power supplies, mouse, cables, connectors, etc.) and everyday items like a water bottle, pens and sunglasses. The padded, nylon straps are comfortable, and its structured design allows it to stand upright without falling over. Over the course of two cross-country flights, the Tech Pack 2 was a stalwart that held everything securely, fit in the smallest of airplane spaces and remained comfortable … albeit on the heavy side. For users who travel regularly with lots of gear, the Tech Pack 2 is an excellent choice, but most would be better served with a smaller, lighter backpack.

— Alexander Lee, DMD