Project to take the strain out of virus control - Diagnostic scanners to help combat the spread of harmful bacteria

摘要

A device that could help contain outbreaks of diseases such as avian flu has won funding under a ￡12m government project aimed at improving infection diagnosis The portable equipment for quickly testing a subject for disease will communicate with a central unit that will direct the outbreak response By using an external scanning system rather than requiring users to insert samples, the tool can be disinfected in the field for repeat use. The device, being developed under a Technology Strategy Board (TSB) programme, is primarily designed for combating farm-based diseases such as foot and mouth and avian flu, but could also be useful during outbreaks of human infections such as MRSA.