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Smartphone Can Test For HIV, Syphilis: Study
US researchers have found a way to turn a common smartphone into a quick and easy device to conduct field tests for HIV and syphilis.
Using an attachment that costs $34 to make – a far cry from the standard $18,000 for diagnostic tests – blood drops are tested for the diseases’ antibodies in minutes instead of hours, said the research led by Columbia University engineers.
When plugged into a smartphone’s audio jack, scientists said it mimicked the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a well-known test for HIV, and “performed almost as well.”
The initial study, involving 96 women in Rwanda, is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Experts hope that this lab-on-a-chip device could be a helpful tool, especially in places where field clinics are set up to help remote or underserved populations.
The team, led by Samuel Sia, associate professor of biomedical engineering, is aiming for larger clinical trials first.
“Our work shows that a full laboratory-quality immunoassay can be run on a smartphone accessory,” said Sia.
“Coupling microfluidics with recent advances in consumer electronics can make certain lab-based diagnostics accessible to almost any population with access to smartphones. This kind of capability can transform how health care services are delivered around the world.”
The study was funded by a Saving Lives at Birth transition grant — which is backed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Gates Foundation, government of Norway, Grand Challenges Canada, the World Bank and the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation.
Posted by
kakolwe
February 6, 2015 at 9:18 am
Kuti yawama iyi especially for those who enjoy ama towing! Libya chileshipula, you have used your smartphone & know that nichi carrier bag cha sonorous parasites and viruses.
Get rid of it instantly.
Trixy
February 6, 2015 at 11:39 am
Kikikikikiki…..true. I can smell end of the agony pipo go through vis a vis the belindas of this world.
poly
February 6, 2015 at 2:49 pm
I am sure nakumpele it can scratch! fwenya,fwenya!
Denkete
February 6, 2015 at 7:50 pm
technology yaya saana. kuti wacita shani munyina, smartphone yakusanga positive, elo real medical test negative? kusekafye munyina.
Vulture
February 6, 2015 at 10:14 pm
Why do tests mu africa ninshi columbia ni hiv free?ata kwati tuli ma lab rats……
Chinyama
February 6, 2015 at 11:26 pm
Life will improve for sure!
Renee
February 7, 2015 at 5:47 am
Way to go in combating STIs and AIDS. I hope these phones will be reasonably priced to accommodate common people of society.
Manhimself
February 7, 2015 at 7:39 am
Africans made a lab rat tests!!
That smart phone is of the best use but again there are dangers were it cannot accurately test, imagine you go the clinic you’re positive,a smart phone tells you’re negative?
The discrimination it would bring among the peers,
Anyway! Everything has its own advantage and disadvantage side.
Let these merchandise be seculated the whole world.
Maybe the spread of HIV and Aids can be reduced by 85%.
There is hope for the world of free hiv and aids.
Kasama Swag
February 7, 2015 at 3:29 pm
aah ikali iyi bakaamba,ngawatowinga ku chitesta then ngachili bwino kuchinyenga fye live !