Columbia University researchers have invented an inexpensive smartphone add-on device that can detect and diagnose patients with HIV and syphilis.

According to a pilot study conducted in Africa, the US$34 device works by plugging it into the headphone jack of any smartphone. It can be as effective as expensive blood tests from diagnostic equipment and works by identifying antibodies that signal the presence of HIV and syphilis.

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Researchers note that the current diagnostic equipment used for diagnosis can cost up to US$18,000.

This study involved a trial in Rwanda where 96 patients included women at risk of transferring sexually transmitted diseases to their unborn babies. The device processes blood taken from a pricked finger.

It performs the optical, mechanical and electronic operations of a lab-based blood test all under 15 minutes. The process is completely powered by a smartphone.

Researchers say that after testing performed by Rwanda healthcare workers, the device accurately pinpointed the antibodies and produced a sensitivity score of 92 to 100 percent.

According to lead scientist, Samuel Sia who is a professor of engineering in Columbia and team leader, their work presents a full laboratory quality immunoassay or a biochemical test that measures the presence of antibodies using only a smartphone accessory.

This device can revolutionize lab-based diagnostics. This can very well transform how health care services can be delivered globally.

The device is specifically designed to be small and light enough to be carried by one hand. Healthcare workers can effectively use the device after just 30 minutes of training. The device has a user friendly interface with step by step pictorial instructions and built in timers.

Sia believes this device can also increase detection of syphilis infections and lessen deaths by ten fold.

This study was published in the journal, Science Translational Medicine.

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