The iconic "tricorder" could be coming soon to a doctor near you.

Ten teams from around the world have been selected as finalists in the quest to build a device similar to the handheld tricorder, the medical scanner that instantly diagnoses diseases featured in the 1960's TV series, "Star Trek."

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The "Qualcomm Tricorder X Prize" launched in 2013 challenges anyone to develop a wireless device, also called a tricorder, capable of detecting a wide range of diseases. There is a US$10 million prize for the winning team.

To win the prize, the tricorder-like device should be able to monitor vital signs. It also must accurately diagnose 16 different conditions, including diabetes, anemia, tuberculosis, atrial fibrillation and mononucleosis.

These illnesses must all be detected by a single device that weighs no more than 2.3 kilograms or five pounds.

The technology must also be packaged in a portable device that provides diagnostic information in a user-friendly way so patients can self-diagnose without the help of doctors.

The 10 finalists have until the middle of 2015 to demonstrate a working device. Tests are to begin in May 2015. Final judging will be held in November.

The finalists:

Aezon (US). Consists of engineering students from Johns Hopkins University working with the Center for Bioengineering Innovation & Design.

CloudDX (Canada). A team from medical devices manufacturer Biosign.

Danvantri (India). A team from technology manufacturer American Megatrends India.

DMI (US). A team from the DNA Medicine Institute partnering with NASA, the National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Dynamical Biomarkers Group (Taiwan). Consists of physicians, scientists and engineers.

Final Frontier Medical Devices (US). A team led by the founders of Basil Leaf Technologies.

MESI Simplifying Diagnostics (Slovenia). A team from diagnostic medical device manufacturer MESI.

SCANADU (US). A team from Silicon Valley-based start-up SCANADU.

SCANurse (UK). A team from diagnostic medical manufacturer SCANurse.

Zensor (Ireland). A team from clinical sensor and electrode company Intelesens.

The Star Trek Tricorder was used by Dr. Leonard McCoy, the physician aboard the starship, USS Enterprise. It was a box shaped device that recorded and analyzed data obtained from a tubular handheld device.

TagsQualcomm, Star Trek, medical devices, Medical, TV, science fiction, Qualcomm Tricorder X Prize