Smartphone microscopic system for detection of cysts
Smartphones that have been traditionally used for voice calls, messaging, social media, and internet surfing are now increasingly being used in more creative and professional fields. Aided by advancements in processing power, sensors, and high-quality cameras, modern smartphones becoming tools of innovation and discovery. Health and diagnostics field has seen a meteoric rise in the use of modern smartphone technologies to create innovative solutions that are less expensive and widely available.
Scientist duo from Nepal, Dr Bhanu Neupane, and Dr Basant Giri have developed a low-cost smartphone-based microscopic system to detect diarrhoea causing parasites. Smart diagnostic technology is developed to detect the presence of diarrhea-causing cysts in different bodies. The presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts are major causes of diarrhea worldwide. With the development of the smartphone-based detection kit, early and on-site detection of the parasites will become possible.
As per WHO, every year around 35 lakhs children below 5 years of age die due to diarrhea in developing countries. This development will decrease both necessities of visiting a laboratory and the time taken to detect diarrhea-causing parasites. The smartphone-based technology will allow the detection and prevention of diarrhea outbreaks in far-flung villages and localities in the country.
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