Beyond the litmus test

Paper-based sensors for diagnostics
South Africa (Pretoria)

There isn’t a magic pill to cure the world’s diseases, and there isn’t a one size fits all solution for diagnosing them. Many of the diagnostic tools that are imported into South Africa are too slow, bulky or expensive for the needs of the majority, especially those in geographically and economically excluded communities.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has stepped in, developing paper-based diagnostic tools to rapidly diagnose health and environmental threats. Using advanced printing techniques such as wax printing, chemicals, or printing conductive materials onto paper, CSIR is creating tests that provide visual, mechanical or electrical diagnostic signals. Cheap, fast, and accurate, these tools can be used for testing for common health and environmental hazards in the region, such as TB or unsafe drinking water.

Written by

Claire Proudfoot (25 September 2015)

Bio

Claire Proudfoot is an international producer/ director based in London. The South African spends most of her time making content in sub-Saharan Africa about tech, healthcare and gender.

Project leader

Kevin John Land, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Tags: 3D printing.

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