SINGAPORE: A new rapid test kit will soon allow dengue diagnosis in just 20 minutes, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) said in a news release on Thursday (Jan 29). <\/p>\n
The paper-based disposable device developed by the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR detects dengue antibodies in saliva. <\/p>\n
This is faster than the current diagnosis process of taking blood samples and testing it in a laboratory for dengue antigens or antibodies. Unlike blood samples, saliva can be collected easily and painlessly.<\/p>\n
The kit can also detect dengue antibodies from early-stage secondary infections of dengue. Patients with secondary infections, who have previously contracted different strains of the dengue virus, stand a higher risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.<\/p>\n
\"The ability to differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections makes it a valuable early diagnosis tool that would help to ensure timely treatment and proper care of patients,\" said IBN Executive Director Professor Jackie Y Ying.<\/p>\n
Early diagnosis is crucial as the incubation period before dengue symptoms develop generally ranges from four to ten days after infection, and timely intervention can help prevent further complications.<\/p>\n
Typically, paper-based tests are not designed to handle large volumes of saliva required, but the design of IBN's rapid test kit allows that.<\/p>\n
Researchers hope to make the device as easy to use as over-the-counter pregnancy or fertility test kits, and may adapt it to detect other infectious diseases.<\/p>\n
The institute is currently collaborating with ARKRAY Inc. to commercialise the technology.<\/p>\n
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Made-in-Singapore test kit detects dengue in 20 minutes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SINGAPORE: A new rapid test kit will soon allow dengue diagnosis in just 20 minutes, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) said in a news release on Thursday (Jan 29). The paper-based disposable device developed by the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR detects dengue antibodies in saliva. This is faster than the current diagnosis process of taking blood samples and testing it in a laboratory for dengue antigens or antibodies. Continue reading