Singapore scientists have announced their new magnetic resonance relaxometry system for rapid label-free malaria screening within minutes using magnets.
The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) has collaborated with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to develop this ground-breaking technology.
SMART new technique uses Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry (MRR) system to detect a parasitic waste in the blood of infected patients. A smaller blood sample used to perform the test in less than a minute. This makes the procedure much less invasive for patients and easier for service providers.
This new technology is more sensitive and less error-prone and involves lower cost in screening patients for malaria.
The SMART new technique with small 0.5-tesla magnet can be used on benchtop and the team is also working for portable device for field-based diagnoses.
The team is working on developing the technology further. The team is exploring ways to power the device on solar energy and make it more accessible for healthcare workers in poor, rural areas.