Scientists at Edinburgh University have developed a new swab
test for MRSA which delivers instant results to physicians. At
present, any analysis for this type of bacteria requires
laboratory tests and these can take several hours to produce a
result. However, by increasing the sensitivity of these swabs
and by using electrical sensors, the researchers have created a
test which can tell doctors if the bacteria are present in a
matter of minutes. It was developed using samples from diabetic
foot ulcer patients at NHS Lothian's Diabetic Foot Clinic at the
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh - a condition which could benefit
greatly from faster tests, as if left to multiply, MRSA
infection can result in the need for amputation in some cases.
Dr Till Bachman, from the University of Edinburgh's Division of
Pathway Medicine, told BBC News: "By developing a rapid and
cost-effective test, we would know what kind of infection is
present straight away, which will improve the chance of success
in treating it." The news follows