Development of an ultra-rapid, point-of care diagnostic system for Chlamydia and gonorrhoea

A disposable cartridge and a low-cost reader will diagnose Chlamydia and gonorrhoea from a patient sample in minutes, without any lab equipment or trained staff. Current tests for these sexually transmitted infections require sending swabs to a central laboratory, which takes days and loses many patients to follow-up. This project builds a DNA-based diagnostic system that processes the sample automatically from start to finish, with all reagents stored inside the disposable cartridge. The reader uses a novel electrochemical detection method to keep the instrument small, cheap, and virtually maintenance-free. On-board quality controls ensure accuracy, and the system’s high multiplex capability allows future expansion to other infections. If successful, the pre-production prototype—tested in real clinical settings with the Health Protection Agency—could shift diagnosis from central labs to GP surgeries, sexual health clinics, or even pharmacies. Faster results would let patients receive treatment immediately, cutting transmission chains and reducing the burden of untreated infections. The collaboration between Atlas (electrochemical assay design) and Randox Laboratories (engineering and market reach) aims to turn fundamental science into a practical tool that quietly improves public health infrastructure.