Key Summary
- Cambridge-based PocDoc develops smartphone test for type 2 diabetes
- Finger-prick blood sample analysed via app, results in minutes
- NHS pilot underway; aims to aid early detection and prevention
A Cambridge-based health tech company has developed a smartphone test to detect type 2 diabetes that delivers results within minutes.
The smartphone app, developed by PocDoc, examines HbA1c levels, which measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, in the blood sample collected via finger-pricking.
For the test, patients place a finger-prick blood sample on a microfluidic assay (MFA), which is a small, portable system used to perform analytical tests.
The patient then scans the test using the PocDoc app and receives their result almost immediately.
The pilot version of the app “Diabetes Health Check” is being tested in the North East of England and North Cumbria as part of an NHS project.
"Our test aims at helping people figure out whether or not they are at risk of diabetes, and help them to take steps to prevent diabetes in the future," said Sarah-Ann Ferguson, lead project manager at PocDoc.
She added, "Our test is different in that we measure certain bio markers, and you are able to get your results the same day on your smart phone.”
Around 5.2 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes, and a further 1.3 million are thought to be undiagnosed.
