Smart toilets may play a role in future COVID-19 tracking efforts, according to a new article published in the journal Nature. The authors describe a smart toilet platform, dubbed the Coronavirus Integrated Diagnostic Toilet, with a bidet-like attachment for testing fecal material for COVID-19, capable of isolating fecal RNA.

Users can agree to stool sampling using a QR code. The platform then digitally reminds patients of their disease status. The researchers explained that the findings can be connected to existing Apple and Google's Bluetooth contact tracing systems for COVID-19 contact notification. The results could also provide "personalized longitudinal data" for public health agencies.

"Smart toilets can access this underutilized data without requiring extensive user intervention, and even circumvent the behavioral fatigue caused by routine COVID-19 testing," the authors wrote. To be successful, the authors say, a smart toilet would need to "ideally" provide participants' test results within 15 minutes, be fully automated, provide a hygienic environment for users, securely connect data to a centralized network, and perform profiling on user data. De-identification and upload to the tracking network. However, the success of this strategy will depend on user acceptance. Certain environments, such as military barracks or naval ships, have experienced rapid and widespread outbreaks, and if a COV-ID toilet is installed, its residents are almost guaranteed to use it, But personalized testing may require consent.

"Among the general public, people may avoid toilets or disagree with testing if they feel their privacy is threatened or are opposed to testing."