A system and method for detecting airborne pathogens

A system for detecting airborne pathogens, the system comprising:

• a pathogen collector having a surface area for engaging with pathogens so that at least a portion of the pathogens that engages with the pathogen collector accumulates on the surface area of the pathogen collector;
• an electrochemical sensor for electrochemically detecting pathogens accumulated on the surface area of the pathogen collector, the electrochemical sensor comprising an electrode and a reactive substance selected to electrochemically react with the pathogens accumulated on the surface area of the pathogen collector;
• a pump for generating an air flow;
• wherein the system is configured such that an air flow is generated that moves pathogens within ambient air towards and/or along the surface area of the pathogen collector such that at least some pathogens can engage and accumulate on the surface area of the pathogen collector;
• and wherein the system is further configured such that the reactive substance of the electrochemical sensor electrochemically reacts with the pathogens accumulated on the surface area of the pathogen collector and in response to the electrochemical reaction the electrode of the electrochemical sensor detects an electronic signal, the electronic signal being indicative of the presence of pathogens accumulated on the pathogen collector.