SafeSwab, a sample collection and dispensing device for near-patient testing

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the pace of innovation around virtual care visits and testing technology. Here we present the SafeSwab (Safe Health Systems, Los Angeles, CA), an integrated, universal sample collection and dispensing device that is designed to minimize user error and enable rapid testing in a point of care or self-testing format. The SafeSwab was used with the Safe Health Systems HealthCheck digital health application to enable self-testing by patients using lateral flow tests for SARS-CoV-2 antigen or for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Patients (n=74) using the SafeSwab produced a valid rapid test result in 96% of attempts, and 96% of patients felt confident that they had collected a good sample. The Safe HealthCheck app has an integrated image analysis algorithm, AutoAdapt LFA, that interprets a picture of a rapid test result, and the algorithm interpreted the result correctly 100% of the time. The SafeSwab was found to be versatile and easy to use for both self-collected nasal sampling as well as fingerstick blood sampling. The use of Safe Health Systems HealthCheck app allows an integrated solution for patient instruction and test interpretation

Rapid detection of vaginitis in reproductive age group-by immunochromatography method

Vaginitis is the most frequent gynaecologic diagnosis encountered by physician providing primary care to the women. It is defined as inflammation and/or irritation of the vagina, a troublesome condition that affects millions of women in all parts of the world. A total of 50 women of reproductive age within 15-45 years, both pregnant and non-pregnant with abnormal vaginal discharge were enrolled in the study. Vaginal fluid was collected from the patients attending outpatient department of Dhaka Medical College & Hospital. A rapid vaginal immunochromatography kit were used to test the samples for Chlamydia, Trichomonas, Candida and Gardnerellavaginalis along with pH, nitrites, protein and leucocytes. Bacterial vaginitis was diagnosed in 16%, 20% and 18% of the cases using microscopy, culture and rapid vaginal test kit respectively, whereas, was detected in 16%, 8%, 16% by microscopy, culture and rapid vaginal kit respectively in case of bacterial vaginosis. Chlamydia(6.66%) and Trichomonas (6.66%) was detected in the vaginal kit and Candida was detected in 3.33% cases using all three methods. Rapid vaginal kit is a simple, rapid test (result within 10 minutes) and can be used as a point of care test or for screening large number of samples. Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2016; 10 (2): 18-21