Device speeds up malaria diagnosis
Device speeds up malaria diagnosis
2008-04-28Newsfeed
A new technique being developed by British scientists could lead to faster and cheaper diagnosis of malaria.
A new technique being developed by British scientists could lead to faster and cheaper diagnosis of malaria.
Experts at the universities of Exeter and Coventry have developed the technique, which is able to challenge the rapid diagnostic tests currently used in the field.
After two years of research, funded by the EU, the team has created a device which gives a positive or negative reading for malaria in less than a minute.
High-power microscopy is still the best method available for malaria diagnosis, and has been used for a century, but it is time-consuming and requires expensive equipment and specialist skills rarely available in rural areas of endemic countries.
The team is now working on a non-invasive version of the device which is expected to be trailed in Kenya later this year.
Prof Dave Newman warned that due to global warming, malaria could spread into new parts of the world, including southern Europe.
He added: "The early results from our device are very promising.
"We expect to ultimately produce a sensitive non-invasive device that will be cost effective and easy to use, making it suitable for developing countries."
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
