Award for New Diagnostic Method

The method is based on the changing flow of a liquid in a capillary channel. The channels are filled with agglutination reagents. If the target molecule (e.g., the pregnancy hormone hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin) is present in the liquid, the agglutination reaction impedes the flow in the capillary channel. The test uses a comparison channel to measure the speed of the flow. If the flow is slower than the comparison channel, the test is positive. If it is the same speed, the test is negative.

Because the design is simple, there are few components involved, making the device compact and economical to manufacture. Also, its portability meets the growing demand for point-of-care testing in doctors' surgeries, clinics, or pharmacies. Test results are available in minutes, so patients need not make a return trip for these. The new technology was developed by Platform Diagnostics Ltd. (Liverpool, UK).

The company is working on tests for pregnancy, deep vein thrombosis, and a bedside test for blood grouping. The new technique is applicable to most diseases and may soon be adopted for tests for HIV, hepatitis, Chlamydia, and rubella.

"Diagnostic testing is a heavily patented area, but because we use a technology which is completely different, we don't infringe on existing patents,” said Damian Bond, managing director, Platform Diagnostics. "We are looking to collaborate with diagnostic companies interested in using the platform technology to help them develop quantitative tests within their individual areas of expertise.”


Related Links:
Platform Diagnostics