Rapid test device has global impact

Two engineers have changed the way blood is collected and tested thanks to a world-first, fully integrated rapid test device, designed and developed in Australia.

AtomoRapid is the first device designed for blood-based lateral flow applications. It was created by John Kelly, Founder and CEO of Atomo Diagnostics, after he witnessed his two-year-old daughter‘s blood collection procedure resulting in multiple bruises.

Together with Richard Sokolov, Director of IDE Group, the pair has created an innovative solution to the worldwide problem of how to do fast, accurate blood testing away from the lab. Especially in countries with limited clinical facilities, the on-site and accurate AtomoRapid provides a revolution in healthcare; in particular across Africa where initial testing typically occurs in the field.

“Although rapid test kits are very accurate when used in the lab, complexity and issues performing these procedures in the field results in errors. In Africa, clinical sensitivity can be around 90%, which means that one in 10 people leave thinking their results are negative but are in fact positive,” explained Kelly.

“They test millions of positive people a year in Africa, so that’s more than a million people potentially being misdiagnosed.

“We just felt that if we could improve usability and as a result in-field sensitivity, by even a couple of per cent, we could make a significant impact in the lives of people and help lower the rate of transfer of this illness.”

The blood test kits that have been used up until this time require many separate items to perform a test. As a result, accuracy is often low and errors on the user’s part commonly result in misdiagnosis.

Kelly and Sokolov approached the development of AtomoRapid from a perspective rarely used in the field of diagnostics.

“We focused on the user’s interaction with the product rather than the test inside. We looked at the handling of the device and potential sources of error which we then designed out, much like in the development of consumer goods. The diagnostic industry hadn’t embraced that concept yet and it turned out to be a novel approach that is getting us noticed,” said Kelly.

Throughout a two-year research and development period, the two Australian engineers produced 10 different prototypes, overcoming milestones in terms of funding and resistance from the diagnostic industry until the final product was delivered and tested. It is now ready for international commercial use.

AtomoRapid was designed specifically to support self testing and these tests put the users’ healthcare in their own hands and allow for instant, accurate results. It has been developed specifically to be manufactured at low cost, giving it the ability to be used in the poorest areas of Africa, which also happen to have the highest disease burden.

A European diagnostics company is currently evaluating the AtomoRapid platform for use with their rapid celiac test. Atomo Diagnostics is also in discussions with other European companies with regards to commercialising rapid allergy and anaemia tests. Gaining commercial interest from overseas partners allowed Kelly and Sokolov’s platform to be solidified for conducting HIV/AIDS and malaria testing in Africa - an issue close to their hearts.

The device was awarded the prestigious Bradfield Award at the Engineering Excellence Awards Sydney 2012 (EEAS) by Engineers Australia, Sydney Division. It is currently on display in the engineering exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum.