The device detects bacteria in the body in just a few minutes

The device uses micro-technology to detect bacteria, helping doctors see how bacteria react to antibiotics to find treatment.

The device was invented by a group of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania in the US and published at the National Academy of Sciences on May 6.

This device uses micro technology to detect individual bacterial cells, which can be observed under an electron microscope. The method allows doctors to check for bacteria in the patient's body, thereby determining the level of body reaction to antibiotics, giving appropriate treatment regimens. Results will be returned in less than 30 minutes, instead of waiting 3-5 days as today.

The device takes less than 30 minutes to identify the bacteria in the patient's body.(Photo: France24).

In addition to detecting bacteria, the device also classifies bacteria through the shape of cells: spherical, rod-shaped or spiral. Once found, the sample will be tested with antibiotics to see if it is resistant.

Physician and biomedical engineering professor Pak Kin Wong said that doctors now prescribe antibiotics even if the patients are not infected with the bacteria.

A urinary tract infection is the most common bacterial infection. However, more than 75% of urine samples sent to clinical microbiological laboratories are negative. Therefore, detecting bacteria with this device helps to eliminate them quickly, greatly improving patient care time.

Wong added that the team has applied for a temporary patent, hoping to reduce the size of the device for easy use in hospitals as well as to sell it within three years.