By Bill Freeman
UK researchers recently unveiled a new computer chip capable of analysing DNA samples within minutes. The credit card sized reusable chip analyses DNA in blood samples for a number of pathogens including the AIDS virus HIV as well as carrying out other diagnostic tests in just a few minutes. The chip will enable doctors to diagnose patients’ on-the-spot, and thus in many cases eliminating the need for time-consuming expensive laboratory tests.
UK researchers recently unveiled a new computer chip capable of analysing DNA samples within minutes. The credit card sized reusable chip analyses DNA in blood samples for a number of pathogens including the AIDS virus HIV as well as carrying out other diagnostic tests in just a few minutes. The chip will enable doctors to diagnose patients’ on-the-spot, and thus in many cases eliminating the need for time-consuming expensive laboratory tests. Researchers at Brunel University in the UK say that the chip could be available by 2005.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 2nd May 2002