Universal Sensors will create a handheld device that is able to detect the presence of C.difficile or MRSA in hospital wards within five minutes of swabbing.
Universal Sensors has demonstrated that its Vantix biosensor technology could detect as little as one pathogenic cell per square centimetre of surface tested.
The company said that if this technology was to be made available as a handheld device it would give immediate confirmation of the presence of a pathogen, preventing potential cross-infection of another patient.
'We listened to senior staff from 20 different NHS trusts so that we could fully understand the requirements of the many different healthcare workers that are involved in infection control,' said Dr Kevin Auton, commercial director of Universal Sensors.
'At present, environmental tests are sent to a centralised laboratory and the results take several days to come back.
'The consensus was that if it was possible to perform the tests on the hospital ward, it would significantly improve the speed and quality of decision making,' he added.
Focus groups revealed that any device had to be easy to use and provide an objective reading.
The groups also indicated that there were at least two different types of users: the lead infection control specialists who see the device as a way of assisting best practice; and the cleaning contractors and facilities managers who viewed it as a way of validating their performance.
The final design must address the needs of all of its users.
Universal Sensors' biosensor technology works with existing immuno, enzyme and DNA tests.
The company has based its approach on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) diagnostic tool.
Vantix biosensors generate an electrical signal rather than a change in colour.
This is easier and quicker to detect and provides a digital reading, which is unambiguous and can be stored along with the sample details.
Vantix biosensors are designed to accelerate tests, make them more sensitive and reduce operator error.
