Our Researchers Invent Hand-Held Diagnostic Device for Infectious Diseases
At the moment, diagnosing an infectious disease – such as Ebola, influenza and chlamydia – usually takes at least three hours using traditional lab equipment. St. Joe’s researchers Dr. James Mahony and Dr. Christopher Stone are developing a portable hand-held device that can detect the presence of these diseases in about 20 minutes.
“If we have a very quick diagnosis, the physician can treat immediately with the right antibiotic – and that could save lives,” explains Dr. Mahony.
In addition to saving the lives of Canadians by providing early diagnostics, the device could also work towards controlling the spread of diseases such as Ebola and SARS around the world.
Watch Dr. James Mahony speak with Elise Copps from CHCH News about the potential of this new device.