Bio-Nano-Micro-Informatic Technologies Developed to Help Diagnose DVT and PE

A European consortium is developing new bio-nano-micro-informatic technologies that will ultimately help clinicians rapidly diagnose patients suspected of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) at the point-of-first-contact.

Ten European research and high-tech firms are developing a reliable, accurate, mobile, handheld, medical diagnostic prototype device that can be used to rapidly diagnose patients suspected of DVT and PE. Using the latest developments in polymer electronics, biomolecular engineering, lab-on-a-chip, wireless information communications technology (ICT), and nano-bio-technologies, the prototype device will detect D-dimer levels in whole blood. These levels will indicate to healthcare professionals whether they should rule out DVT or refer the patient for further diagnosis. A prototype device will be ready in August of 2009.

The device is expected to improve the speed, accuracy, and reliability with which DVT and related blood clot conditions can be diagnosed at the point-of-first-contact and will enable practitioners to reduce the number of false-positive diagnoses. It will be used at primary point-of-care (POC) locations including hospitals, local clinics, accident and emergency units, doctors' offices, outpatient departments, and by paramedics.

The University of Teesside (Tees Valley, UK) is leading the consortium, which also includes Cenamps (New Castle upon Tyne, UK), Helena Biosciences (Gateshead, UK), Wyeth (Madison, NJ, USA), Fraunhofer Institute (München, Germany), and other companies and universities in Spain, France, Slovakia, and Hungary.


Related Links:
Cenamps
Helena Biosciences
Fraunhofer Institute