A cheap test which could detect even low
levels of viruses and some cancers has been developed by UK researchers.
The colour of a liquid changes to give either
a positive or negative result.
The
designers from Imperial College London say the device could lead to more
widespread testing for HIV and other diseases in parts of the world where other
methods are unaffordable. The prototype, which needs wider testing, is
described in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. The test can be configured to a
unique signature of a disease or virus - such as a protein found on the surface
of the HIV. If that marker is present it changes the course of a chemical
reaction. The final result is blue if the marker is there, red if the marker is
not. The researchers say this allows the results to be detected with "the
naked eye".
Prof
Molly Stevens told the BBC: "This method should be used when the presence
of a target molecule at ultra-low concentration could improve the diagnosis of
disease.”For example, it is important to detect some molecules at ultra-low
concentrations to test cancer recurrence after tumour removal. "It can
also help with diagnosing HIV-infected patients whose viral load is too low to
be detected with current methods." Early testing showed the presence of
markers of HIV and prostate cancer could be detected. However, trials on a much
larger scale will be needed before it could be used clinically.
The
researchers expect their design will cost 10 times less than current tests.
They say this will be important in countries where the only optifons are
unaffordable. Fellow
researcher Dr Roberto de la Rica said: "This test could be significantly
cheaper to administer, which could pave the way for more widespread use of HIV
testing in poorer parts of the world."
BBC News
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