Photonic platform aims for rapid diagnosis of nRDS

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Scientists in the UK are developing a rapid test to diagnose neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (nRDS) in premature babies.

The photonic platform is said to combine the capabilities of fingerprint Mid-IR (mid-infrared) and Raman spectroscopies to create a compact, versatile and easily operated device with the potential to underpin a range of next-generation biomedical diagnostic applications.

Infra-red test to help target life-saving treatment for premature babies

Researchers are investigating whether biomarkers from COVID-19 could also be identified using the technique while experiments are paused during the national lockdown.

The three-and-a-half year project, led by Associate Professor Dr Senthil Ganapathy, brings together Southampton University’s Optoelectronics Research Centre with scientists from University Hospital Southampton and University College London Hospital.

“There is a pressing need for diagnostic tools that can produce results quickly from patients' bedsides and in doctors' surgeries,” Senthil said in a statement. “Rapid, accurate results will allow rapid therapeutic decisions and save lives at reduced cost. In contrast, existing technologies require transfer of samples to centrally located laboratories equipped with sophisticated instruments, and highly skilled personnel.

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