New STI test gives results in just 30 minutes

Patients with common sexual infections may soon get their diagnosis, results and treatment in just one clinical visit, thanks to a new shoe- box sized diagnostic machine developed by scientists.
Placing these rapid and accurate tests into clinics may also have a big impact on the fight against antibiotic resistance, as they enable correct diagnosis of infections that have similar signs and symptoms, researchers from St George's University of London in the UK said.
The test has the potential to be used in specialised sexual health clinics as well as outreach and community settings, they said.
It works by placing a swab or a small amount of urine into the test cartridge placed into a shoe-box sized diagnostic machine designed by innovation firm Atlas Genetics Ltd, and waiting just 30 minutes for the result.

Local clinical trials, led by Emma Harding, also from St George's, will establish the accuracy of the test.
"This is a highly exciting and innovative approach to overcoming the substantial challenges to getting great technology adopted into the NHS (The National Health Service in the UK) by shedding light on potential routes through the complex landscape of factors and obstacles in our health systems," said Tariq Sadiq, Director of St George's Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit (ADREU).