Cell Phone Diagnosis
Some people choose not to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because they are embarrassed to get tested, and this can lead to infected individuals not getting treatment and possibly spreading their disease.
Doctors and technology experts in England are working on getting around the social stigma of being tested for STDs by creating a computer chip that will tell people if they are infected. They can put their urine or saliva onto the chip and then plug it into their phone or computer and receive their diagnosis. These devices are aimed at technology-savvy young people, the article said. This way, people can be tested without having to go see a health professional.
The developers of the tests are hoping to sell them in vending machines in nightclubs, pharmacies and supermarkets in England.
Although this sounds like an amazing new technology, the question remains: how reliable will it be? Wouldn't a regular laboratory test be your best bet in this situation?