the prototype diagnostic reader with smart phone
connection. Credit: OJ-Bio
A new hand-held device that can diagnose patients at the early stages of HIV and give results within minutes is in development following a £1 million investment in the technology. The device, which resembles a smart phone, will help widen access to HIV testing in non-hospital settings, including GP surgeries, pharmacies, and community settings as the test and delivery of results will occur immediately. It could also be of benefit to health workers in developing countries who urgently need rapid and affordable ways to diagnose patients. Researchers from UCL (University College London) and industry partners OJ-Bio have been awarded funding under the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme. The new device uses low-cost electrical sensors developed by OJ-Bio and partners Japan Radio Company, that are already used in mobile phones, called surface acoustic wave sensors. It will combine OJ-Bio's innovative sensor technology with special HIV-specific coatings developed at UCL. So far the technology has been proven to work using model HIV samples.
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