Australian researchers have developed a new way to detect COVID-19 infections that is up to 99.9 per cent accurate. 

The new approach involves looking for tiny molecules, known as microRNA, in the bloodstream. 

MicroRNA helps cells control the kinds and amounts of proteins they make. The types of microRNAs in the body are changed by COVID-19 infection. 

In a new study, researchers looked at the microRNA profiles in the plasma of ten COVID-19 patients and ten healthy donors. 

They found that by measuring three microRNAs they could identify early-stage COVID-19 with 99.9 per cent accuracy. 

The authors say these findings suggest that microRNA profiling may be adopted to improve COVID-19 detection and patient management.

The study is accessible here.