HOW THE KIT WORKS
The researchers said to detect malaria, an individual has to purchase the device that will be priced about INR 70/- and download the app in the smartphone!
"We have attached a mobile phone camera on a paper microscope which can be used to take image of blood sample on a slide with some chemicals, and the data can be processed at a central server to detect the presence of malaria cell,” Dr Arindam Biswas, Shibpur Head of Department, IT, IIEST, said.
according to biswas, the paper microscope, also known as 'Foldscope' is an optical microscope that can be assembled from simple components. The results are relayed back to the remote client, and doctor registered in database can access the data and prescribe treatment accordingly. All tests performed by the system are automatically logged on remote central server.
“Every patient will incur a cost of only Rs 10 for each test against a drop of blood taken from the tip of his finger, and the remote testing facility will give results within seconds and provide a hard copy of the report,” he said.
As per a TOI report, Biswas also claimed that the malaria detection, monitoring and mitigation framework has been patented.
The testing system is dubbed 'Centaur' and the detection kit, including the foldable papermade microscope, incurs a manufacturing cost of Rs 80.
The researchers are planning to have a small camera-based, internet and GPS-enabled device for remote areas where people may not have mobile phones.
They said the testing system has an accuracy of 90 per cent, adding that the algorithm can also be developed for other diseases, including dengue.