Rapid diagnostic test kit for bacteria made of ... paper

Researchers have built a device to help diagnose the group of bacteria that cause infections and find the right treatment faster than lab methods that take days.

According to a study published by the University of Southampton in the UK on February 25, researchers have developed a paper-making device that can help doctors quickly diagnose groups of bacteria that cause infections and find ways to treat them. exact value. As a result, the time will be much faster than the lab test.

Photos posted on the University of Southampton website simulating new instruments - (Screenshot).

This new tool is made of paper, a total of 3 layers. The top layer contains 4 common antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Nitrofurantoin) at 4 right angles of the device. In the middle is litmus paper. The final layer is transparent gel. The researchers used the laser to squeeze these three layers together.

This device works like a pregnancy test. By simply pouring a sample of test liquid - such as a patient's urine - into this small device, doctors can soon identify the type of bacteria in the sample by discoloration at the corner of the antibiotic paper. .

From this, the doctor can determine which of the 4 antibiotics above would be suitable for treatment. If the results are not relevant, conclude that this case can not be treated with all 4 antibiotics.

Image showing E Coli bacteria test result - (Screenshot).

"This device can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing to patients and reduce the threat of the growing prevalence of antibiotic resistance" - Dr Collin Sones from Southampton University, team leader research, said.

The research was published in the scientific journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics on February 25. In the past, conventional laboratory testing could take up to 4 days to get results.

In an article posted on the University of Southampton website titled, "Testing for non-laboratory infections can eliminate the guesswork for doctors," the university said the new technology has potential. Cheap and easy to use when manufacturing.

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