Scientists at Yale Institute for Nanoscience and Quantum Electronics have developed nanowire sensors attached with simple microprocessor electronics which are both sensitive and specific enough to be used for point-of-care (POC) disease detection. When highly specific antigens activate immune cells, acid is produced. A current is generated in the nanowire electronics. This indicates that a specific antigen (viruses, bacteria or cancer cell) is present, allowing for detection. The system gives results really fast and is compatible with the currently available CMOS electronics.

A team of U.K. researchers at Imperial College London has developed a blood test that enables doctors to rule out tuberculosis (TB) infection in patients within a few days, rather than weeks. TB is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms include fever, fatigue and loss of appetite, which are associated with other conditions as well. The new blood test would prevent patients who do not have TB from being subjected to lengthy TB tests and patients with TB to undergo treatment earlier.

Vision-Sciences Inc. has received FDA approval for its 510(k) submission to market its advanced digital, video-based cystoscope line. The cystoscope line is meant to be used along with an integrated built-in light source, eliminating the need for a separate camera head, light guide cable and optical coupler. These lightweight videoscopes facilitate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with the introduction of the world’s smallest diameter videoscope insertion tube containing a high resolution, miniature CCD (charge coupled device) camera at the tip of the insertion tube, offering a sharp, high definition, vibrant, full screen image.

Quidel Corporation has announced that the FDA has granted a CLIA (clinical laboratory improvement amendments) waiver for the QuickVue test. This test enables the qualitative detection of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized RSV as the primary cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children of 2 years of age and below. The waiver allows the QuickVue RSV test to be made more widely available for use, especially in clinics and offices of physicians, where waived tests are used most frequently.