VirScan Assesses Your Viral History Through a Single Drop of Blood
Rahul Kalvapalle — June 16, 2015 — Tech
Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have developed a virus-testing tool, dubbed VirScan, that can test patients for both past and current infections by analyzing just a single drop of blood. While existing diagnostic tools generally only search for a single virus at a time, this one can perform simultaneous assessments, saving time and potentially, lives.
The VirScan tool screens blood sample for the antibodies that fight against the 206 virus species that infect humans. Since the human body produces antibodies for many years, the tool is able to detect current as well as past infections, giving doctors and public health authorities a wealth of information to help take reactive steps at both narrow and broad levels.
This tool could prove to be a godsend in developing countries short of diagnostic equipment and ravaged by disease.
The VirScan tool screens blood sample for the antibodies that fight against the 206 virus species that infect humans. Since the human body produces antibodies for many years, the tool is able to detect current as well as past infections, giving doctors and public health authorities a wealth of information to help take reactive steps at both narrow and broad levels.
This tool could prove to be a godsend in developing countries short of diagnostic equipment and ravaged by disease.
Trend Themes
1. Multitasking Diagnostic Tools - The development of VirScan showcases the potential for diagnostic tools that can simultaneously assess multiple infections, increasing efficiency in healthcare.
2. Comprehensive Infection Assessments - VirScan's ability to detect both current and past infections provides valuable information for doctors and public health authorities to take proactive measures in managing outbreaks.
3. Accessible Healthcare Solutions - The portability and simplicity of VirScan makes it a promising solution for delivering affordable and effective healthcare in resource-limited settings.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Diagnostics - The VirScan tool represents a disruptive innovation in the medical diagnostics industry, offering a more efficient and comprehensive approach to testing for viral infections.
2. Public Health - Public health authorities can benefit from VirScan's capabilities to track and understand the prevalence of various viral infections, enabling them to develop targeted intervention strategies.
3. Global Healthcare - The development of VirScan presents an opportunity for the global healthcare industry to improve access to effective diagnostic tools for a wide range of viral infections.
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