subject: Advanced technology will soon be used for STD Test [print this page] Advanced technology will soon be used for STD Test
Mobile phones and computers will soon be able to detect sexually transmitted diseases. This is part of the government's plan to decrease the numbers of sexually transmitted diseases contracted using advanced self -testing technology that may be plugged into the mobile phone or laptop.
These micro sized inventions will function similarly to pregnancy testing kits. One will be able to take tests in the privacy of their own home with a result appearing within minutes. Urine or saliva will be applied to a computer chip that may be plugged into the phone or computer and viola, a positive or negative STD test result can be read within minutes along with information guiding one to the accessing of treatment. A record number at 482,696 of STIs were reported last year .The vast majority were contracted by those less than 25 years of age. Considering the age group of this majority, the technology is specifically aimed at their experience of sexual health. It is thought that certain STIs go undetected due to embarrassment and it is hoped that this method of testing will remove any sort of apprehension regarding the testing process.
In addition, these devices are looking set to cost as little as 50p/ 1 per device. Plans to sell them in vending machines in pharmacies, in supermarkets, and even nightclubs are underway.
The Medical Research Council along with 7 other funders has put 4 million pounds into the development stages of this device in conjunction the UK Clinical research Collaboration. The NHS technology adoption centre, the national Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence and operators such as O2 are on board also.
This kind of information could improve the rate at which public health reports are circulated as the information would literally be at our fingertips. Reporting on an outbreak would be quicker and could prevent the spread of infection.
Despite how futuristic the whole idea sounds. We are not that far away from its actualization according to sources however, data protection for the moment is a concern and may be an obstacle. Other financial contributors come from researchers of St. George's University College London, Brunel, Warwick, Queen Mary, UL, and the Health Protection Agency to name a few.
This is a huge milestone in the advancement of sexual health testing and could change the way we view and control our sexual health for good. The 36% increase in STIs from 2008 and 2009 needs to be addressed and this technology is a way of acknowledging the need for a breakthrough plan of action. Incorporating the lifestyle of today's teenagers and young people sounds promising to me.
