STD Testing via Mobile Devices: U.K. Initiative Underway

Testing for STD (sexually transmitted disease), or STI (sexually transmitted infection) is about to get more mobile and private. The United Kingdom's Medical Research Council and Clinical Research Collaboration have granted a consortium $6.4 million to develop the chips and software for eSTI², a mobile STD testing initiative.

The consortium includes industrial partners as well as Brunel University, the Health Protection Agency, Warwick University, and both Queen Mary and St. George's at the University of London. eSTI² will process STD tests results on a mobile phone or PC instantly using nanotechnology, or submicroscopic technology. The consortium plans to promote the technology in developing countries, St. George's reports.

Using eSTI², individuals drop their blood, urine or saliva on a mobile chip, which they then insert into a mobile phone or PC. Software on the phone or PC then delivers a diagnosis, schedules a clinic appointment or sends an electronic prescription to a pharmacy. Consumers will be able to purchase the chips in vending machines or at a local pharmacy.

For more, read the eWeek article Mobile STD Testing Consortium Wins $64 Million Grant in U.K.