Tech Tuesday: A piece of paper that detects diseases
Tech Tuesday is an ongoing series profiling the Forum’s Technology Pioneers. The Tech Pioneers are companies that have been recognized by the Forum for groundbreaking and innovative approaches in tackling some of the world’s most wicked problems. Each week we will showcase one of the 2012 Tech Pioneers. You can learn more about the Technology Pioneer Programme on the Forum’s website.
Diagnostics For All is pioneering paper based medical tests that cost only a few cents each and promise to revolutionize healthcare in developing countries
Diagnostics For All manufactures medical test strips that use the natural capillary characteristics of paper to expose test specimens to specific reagents that change colour depending on the content. The test sample can be a miniscule drop of blood, urine or other body fluid. A small paper strip, the size of a postage stamp, is treated with a photo resist that makes it sensitive to sunlight and enables the etching of channels that direct the fluid to an imbedded solution that changes colour to indicate the results. By using layers of strategically perforated tape, the test strip can be built up as a three-dimensional model that adds several steps to the testing process. An early model is being developed to warn against liver damage that is one of the risks of HIV/AIDS antiretroviral treatments in Africa. To spread the technology as fast as possible, Diagnostics For All established itself as a not-for-profit. Royalties are reinvested to accelerate the company’s development. The simplicity and low cost of the technology promises to make advanced medical testing available to public health services in developing countries that otherwise would never be able to afford it.
Una S. Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer (right: Ms. Ryan showing a test strip while speaking at the AMNC, September 2011)
Location: MA, USA
Number of Employees: 8
Year Founded: 2007
Diagnostics For All
50 Soldiers Field Place
USA
Telephone: +1 617 494 0700
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