WB-IIT-CBC-DEVICE

IIT-KGP develops device that can perform CBC test at Rs 10
    Kolkata, Jan 11 (PTI) Researchers from the IIT-
Kharagpur have developed a spinning disc-based device that can
perform Complete Blood Count (CBC) test with 95 per cent
accuracy at only Rs 10, the institute said in a statement on
Saturday.
    The average present cost of CBC -- a collection of
commonly required blood tests routinely suggested by doctors
to assess a wide range of diseases -- is Rs 200.
    The existing methods for this test are expensive due
to the requirements of sophisticated instrumentation and
trained personnel.
    "We have developed a motor-run spinning disc-based
portable device for performing a CBC test. The design and
fabrication techniques are simple," Prof Suman Chakraborty of
IIT-Kharagpur's Department of Mechanical Engineering said.
    Prof Chakraborty, who is leading the team of
researchers, said, "The device can perform haematocrit (packed
volume of red blood cells), haemoglobin, red blood cell, white
blood cell and platelet count tests with 95 per cent
accuracy."
    The disc of the device is bio-degradable and can be
disposed of after several tests.
    "Such an innovation may result in a paradigm shift in
providing diagnostic services to the underserved rural
population at large.
    "The upcoming super speciality hospital of IIT
Kharagpur will use several of such devices to ensure improved
reach of telemedicine and mobile healthcare to the last man of
the society," IIT-Kharagpur Director V K Tewari said. PTI SUS
ACD ACD

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)