A Game-Changer in Sexual Health Testing

Imagine getting tested for STIs in just five minutes! Linear Diagnostics is on the brink of making this a reality with a groundbreaking diagnostic platform that promises to deliver results faster and cheaper than any existing tests.

Backed by Innovative Funding

Thanks to significant funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation program, Linear is set to embark on a three-year journey that includes clinical testing in real-world settings.

Cutting-Edge Technology at Work

The technology at the core of this innovation is Linear's Exponential Amplification (EXPAR), which detects bacterial DNA at lightning speed. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this method has already proven its capability in identifying not just STIs but also urinary infections and even viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.

Targeting a Global Health Concern

With the rise of multi-drug-resistant strains of STIs like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, the need for rapid testing has never been more crucial. Timely diagnosis can halt the spread of these infections, allowing patients to receive treatment in a single visit to the clinic.

Advancing Diagnostic Accuracy

Dr. Jean-Louis Duprey, the Head of Research and Development at Linear, emphasized the challenge of balancing speed and accuracy in diagnostics. Current rapid tests take about 20 minutes to yield results but often fall short on sensitivity and specificity. Linear’s near-patient device aims to bridge this gap.

Collaborative Efforts to Ensure Success

Newcastle upon Tyne's Health Research Centre (HRC), in partnership with Newcastle University, is set to play a critical role in evaluating this revolutionary technology. Dr. Jana Suklan, a Senior Methodologist at the HRC, highlighted the importance of aligning the test's development with the needs of healthcare professionals, patients, and the public.

Creating Evidence for Widespread Use

John Tyson of the North East Innovation Lab expressed excitement about the potential of this new test. By leveraging clinical samples and performance testing within NHS labs, they aim to gather the evidence necessary for the technology's transition from development to real-world implementation.

Making History in Sexual Health Diagnostics

As the fight against STIs progresses, Linear's 5-minute test could mark a pivotal moment in healthcare—making diagnosis quicker, cheaper, and more accessible for everyone. This innovation not only promises to enhance patient care but also to play a significant role in public health.