11 Nov 2004
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First disposable diabetes screening device
Cypak, a Swedish printed electronics innovation company and Teleca, an international IT services company, say they have developed the world's first disposable diagnostic system for diabetes detection and monitoring. The solution is the first application based on SmartSensor telemed's concept for disposable medical diagnostic instruments.
SmartSensor telemed has developed a concept that enables diabetes to be self-diagnosed at an early stage while there is still time to take preventative measures. With the help of Cypak's technology for embedding microelectronics in paperboard, Teleca has produced the first working prototype, which consists of a paperboard-packaged blood biosensor for gathering, analysing and storing blood-test data. The packaging also contains an electronic patient questionnaire. The data and the answers to the questionnaire are stored in a secure part of the packaging that is detached and sent to a hospital for analysis. The remaining part of the packaging is discarded. The technology can also be used to diagnose many other illnesses and a cholesterol system is also being developed. Cypak report that the low price of the finished products means they would be suitable for sale in emerging markets such as India, China and South America.
"To succeed we needed a partner who could help us develop our technology into a finished product in a cost-effective way, which is exactly what Teleca has managed to do. Together with its partner Cypak it's produced a very powerful solution,"
says James Jackson, founder and chief technical officer of SmartSensor telemed.
"We're very pleased to be working with SmartSensor telemed because this company is at the forefront of a new and exciting area. Low-cost high-volume medical instruments is an expanding area that's providing us with more opportunities for business. We see a lot of potential for Cypak's innovative technology in this market,"
says Magnus Björkqvist, MD for Teleca System Design.
Initially 1,000 units will be manufactured for use in clinical tests on patients in England. Teleca and Cypak will also be developing an instrument for measuring cholesterol values.
Cypak have used printed conductors and components for monitoring medication compliance (pictured below) and for tamper evidence.
Source: Cypak
For more information, Cypak will be presenting at Printed Electronics 2004, New Orleans, 6-8 December.
