This Low-Cost Contraption Can Reliably Diagnose Ebola
Rahul Kalvapalle — February 25, 2016 — Tech
References: actu.epfl.ch & pubs.acs.org
A group of engineers working out of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne have introduced a high-tech diagnostic device that can be easily and reliably used to diagnose ebola in a wide variety of environments.
What's great about this particular diagnostic device is that it is especially well suited for use in remote and far-flung locations. It operates on battery power and can be used with easily available, low-cost microscopes. This doesn't hamper its functioning however -- it is capable of detecting as many as 16 biomarkers from a sample of less than 0.005 milliliters of blood. The biomarkers it collects can be used to diagnose ebola as well as other diseases.
This device will come of particular use to medical personnel working in impoverished and isolated regions where medical resources are hard to come by.
What's great about this particular diagnostic device is that it is especially well suited for use in remote and far-flung locations. It operates on battery power and can be used with easily available, low-cost microscopes. This doesn't hamper its functioning however -- it is capable of detecting as many as 16 biomarkers from a sample of less than 0.005 milliliters of blood. The biomarkers it collects can be used to diagnose ebola as well as other diseases.
This device will come of particular use to medical personnel working in impoverished and isolated regions where medical resources are hard to come by.
Trend Themes
1. Low-cost Diagnostic Devices - Opportunity for companies to develop inexpensive yet reliable diagnostic devices for use in remote and impoverished areas.
2. Battery-powered Diagnostic Devices - Potential for creating diagnostic devices that operate on battery power, facilitating their use in locations with limited access to electricity.
3. Microscope-compatible Diagnostic Devices - Innovation opportunity for diagnostic devices that can be used with easily available, low-cost microscopes, making diagnostics more accessible.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Technology - The medical technology industry can benefit by developing low-cost diagnostic devices that can be used in remote and impoverished areas.
2. Healthcare Services - Healthcare service providers can utilize battery-powered diagnostic devices to improve diagnosis in areas with limited access to electricity.
3. Biotechnology - The biotechnology industry can explore the development of diagnostic devices that are compatible with low-cost microscopes, expanding their market reach.
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