New breathalyser COVID-19 test developed in Queensland

A Queensland company has developed a new breathalyser test to detect COVID-19.

Similar to a roadside breath tester, the new device will allow Australians to test themselves for COVID-19 without requiring a swab.

"It's very, very easy, it's non-invasive. All you have to do is a five-second blow and that's it," Examin Holdings managing director Colin Hickey said.

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"Once the device has done the test it produces a QR code, you scan the code and the answer for the test is in the code."

While the product is still being tested, early studies indicate it is 98 per cent accurate.

The tests may also be able to detect COVID-19 as soon as a patient contracts it.

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The federal government has offered the company a $650,000 grant to assist in developing the test.

"It's a brilliant piece of Aussie enterprise. We're really looking forward to giving this company the support it needs," Federal Industry Minister Angus Taylor said.

Mr Hickey produced the test's prototype in a small lab on the Sunshine Coast.

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Now he is working with the University of Utah in the US with hopes to distribute the tests globally.

"We'd like to be able to provide it to people in April sometime, April, May," Mr Hickey said.