Researchers at St George's, University of London say the new speedy test will mean that for the first time ever patients with common sexual infections will be able to get their diagnosis, results and treatment in one clinical visit.

Placing these rapid and accurate tests into clinics may also have a big impact on the fight against antibiotic resistance, as they enable correct diagnosis of infections that have similar signs and symptoms. It has the potential to be used in specialised sexual health clinics as well as outreach and community settings.

The test works by placing a swab or a small amount of urine into the test cartridge, placing the cartridge into the shoe-box sized diagnostic machine, designed by innovation firm Atlas Genetics Ltd, and waiting just 30 minutes for the result.

The project between experts at the university's Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit (ADREU) and Atlas Genetics Ltd and Aquarius Population Health (APH) aims further the development and implementation of the test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Together the St George's team and Aquarius Population Health (APH) will assist the adoption of this new technology into NHS services. Read more via Science Daily