Clinical evaluation of a disruptive technology for fast antibiotic susceptibility testing
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Astrego Diagnostics AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | May 2018 - May 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Astrego Diagnostic AB’s objectives are to develop and commercialize an In vitro diagnostic instrument which shall within 30 minutes detect bacteria and provide an antibiotic susceptibility testing for five common antibiotics for the treatment of urinary tract infections. The aims of this project were to evaluate the prototype instrument in its intended environment together with trained healthcare professionals, as well as receiving feedback regarding how well the technology fits into the workflow at the clinic.
Expected results and effects
This project gave valuable feedback from the operators at the infection clinic in Uppsala. The feedback has contributed to the further development of the instrument and the disposable cartridge regarding functionality and design. The project has demonstrated that the product will work in a near patient setting at a hospital and can successfully be run by trained healthcare professionals. These results evoked interest in new investors who has now financed the company’s further product development.
Planned approach and implementation
Three operators (two nurses and one research nurse) were educated by Astrego at our internal laboratory. An instrument was then placed at the clinic where the testing of urine samples started. Astrego maintained close interaction with the operators who continuously gave feedback and contributed with a deeper understanding of the needs and demands of healthcare.