New test detects disease rapidly - DCU

Researchers at Dublin City University have developed a new rapid test for cystic fibrosis, the most common life-threatening inherited disease. It provides an initial diagnosis in 30 minutes, much faster than the existing test, which takes about 24 hours.

The test system uses a computer and biomedical sensors which can detect a mix of particular substances in sweat. Worn on the wrist like a watch, it is non-invasive and in early trials is as accurate as the existing test but faster, explained Prof Dermot Diamond, the associate director of DCU's National Centre for Sensor Research.

"We have taken the measurement away from the central laboratory, and it allows us to take the measurement at the bedside," he said yesterday.

Ireland has the highest percapita rate of the disease in the world, according to the Irish Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which supports those with the disease and their families. About one in 20 people here are carriers of the mutated genes which cause the disease. If both parents are carriers they have a one-in-four chance of having children with cystic fibrosis.

Diagnosis can be difficult as there are about 80 different mutated genes associated with cystic fibrosis, he said. This means there are many forms affecting different tissues and causing symptoms at various ages.

Both genetic testing and a "sweat" test are used to confirm cases, Prof Diamond said. The perspiration of patients includes higher levels of sodium as salt, chloride and potassium.

DCU's sensor group developed a special wrist device that uses a small electric current and a drug in combination to cause the skin to perspire. Sweat is collected and then tested with a sensor that can read the salt levels. "The nice thing about it is it is non-invasive," he said.