Source: The New Times
There’s a low-cost smartphone accessory that can detect HIV and syphilis in just 15 minutes, after the patient pricks a finger for a drop of blood to test for the diseases
The University of Columbia scientists and Rwandan researchers developed a dongle appliance, which is fitted into a smartphone that can test people for HIV and syphilis. New Times reported on Friday that 96 tests took place in the country, and the device identified both infections correctly.
The manufacturing cost is $34 (about Rwf24,000) and is considerably cheaper than the laboratory equipment cost which is $18,000. The research team is waiting on the World Health Organisation to approve the device following more tests.
According to the Ministry of Health, Rwanda has a three percent HIV prevalence rate.
http://thisisafrica.me/mobile-device-detect-hiv-syphilis-tests-well-rwanda/
