Researchers in biomedical technology from the University of Reading (UK) have developed a new diagnostic kit named Cygnus, which enables rapid detection of dengue fever and can be used in conjunction with a mobile application.
Blood sample after dengue fever test – (Image: DREAM TIMES).
The research team believes that their Cygnus test kit provides significantly improved quality results compared to the currently available Lateral Flow Testing kits (LFT).
Working alongside scholars and clinical doctors in Thailand, the research team conducted simultaneous tests using three diagnostic methods, yielding results: the Cygnus test showed a clinical sensitivity of 82%, outperforming the LFT test (sensitivity of 74%) and comparable to laboratory tests conducted in hospitals (sensitivity of 83%).
Additionally, the Cygnus test kit can identify which of the four different types of dengue viruses is causing the illness.
Dr. Sarah Needs from the University of Reading, who is also the lead author of the study, stated: “The research demonstrates exciting potential for using Cygnus testing methods with test strips. This method can be used in conjunction with smartphones and is cost-effective to produce.”
The Cygnus testing method is based on strip technology, allowing users to test multiple targets simultaneously in a single sample. Therefore, it can be useful for detecting various diseases, not just one.
This new diagnostic test can screen for over 10 types of diseases using a very small amount of blood, urine, or saliva.
Globally, it is estimated that there are about 400 million cases of dengue fever each year. Dengue can lead to significant complications and even be fatal. This disease poses a serious health challenge that half of the global population faces.
Dr. Alexander Edwards, associate professor of biomedical technology at the University of Reading, remarked: “With the Cygnus diagnostic kit, we are addressing the biggest barrier to home testing.
It is a ‘mobile laboratory’ that can be mass-produced at a low cost while achieving results comparable to hospital tests. Our design is revolutionary for healthcare.”
