A major update, this technique has now been proven to work by Goethe University in Germany! I think a similar method may work for the antibody blood test as well. https://aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de/englisch/pool-testing-of-sars-cov-02-samples-increases-worldwide-test-capacities-many-times-over/
In addition, I have found some amazing existing research on algorithms that can be used to optimize the batch sizes immediately: https://eprint.iacr.org/2009/240.pdf https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/binGroup/index.html
As the concept is now proven, the next challenge is widespread implementation, logistics, and awareness that this method even exists. I have reached out to the Goethe University team and some local doctors to see if I can help speed up the adoption of this technique. Please share the above research with anyone that can help put it into practice, every day we aren't using this is costing lives!
The next phase of this project is likely helping tackle the logistics of forming and managing the batches. I believe a devpost team can help speed up adoption with an app (I'm looking for teammates so please message me if interested). We need an app to help the medical staff that are collecting the samples form batches, and an app for labs to track the batches and manage which tests need to be rerun.
That's it for now, I'll post another update once I've heard back from the emails I sent and can confirm that making an app is the best next move. And special thanks to Setareh for the help!
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