Rapid Diagnosis Could Transform Healthcare

Handheld devices to detect infectious diseases fast.

Novel handheld devices that detect infectious diseases with amazing speed and accuracy could start entering clinical use within three years, saving lives and slashing healthcare costs. The Detection and Identification of Infectious Agents Innovation Platform, accredited by Living With Environmental Change, is stimulating the development of these devices, which will deliver rapid diagnosis of serious human and animal illnesses ranging from hospital ‘superbugs’ to foot-and-mouth disease.

Early diagnosis is critical to treating infectious diseases effectively and preventing their spread. Diagnostics can also be used to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics and identify a treatment regime to which an infection is likely to respond. Such devices could enable early interventions by doctors and negate the need for patients to return to a hospital or clinic for their test results and any treatment.

“As these devices become integrated into our healthcare system, they could help to minimise the impact of future epidemics such as swine flu”, says the Platform’s Lead Specialist, Dr Penny Wilson of the Technology Strategy Board.

The Platform is encouraging UK businesses to take the lead both in developing these revolutionary devices and in securing uptake across the healthcare sector. To date, 34 R&D projects have been funded with a total investment of £10 million (including co-funding from the Department of Health, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Home Office). And with clear potential for the devices to find a worldwide market, success could not only tackle disease but also improve the health of the UK economy.