NOTTINGHAM – Good news for allergic people contemplating uncomfortable allergy testing: a new technique has been developed in the UK that can test for up to 5,000 allergens in just one drop of blood. This new technology could become an alternative to the current testing methods, depending on ongoing research into the accuracy and effectiveness of the test. In addition, because of the way in which the test mimics the human allergic reaction, it could even have other diagnostic uses – including diagnosing parasitic infections.

The challenge now is to compare the results of this test against the results of other tests that are currently used for diagnosis. Researchers can then determine if the test accuracy is as good or better than current test methodologies.

Scientists from the University of Nottingham, in conjunction with colleagues from Nottingham City Hospital’s Centre for Respiratory Research, worked together on this innovative new blood test. Their work was so good that it allowed the team of researchers to win the Da Vinci Award in the category of Breakthrough Technology. Winning this award brings both national recognition, as well as a cash prize that will go towards more research.

Dr Franco Falcone, associate professor at the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy, commented that getting funding for research can be difficult. As a result, the Da Vinci award money can be used as “seed money” that the school can use in a major grant application. When the school is able to contribute money towards research, it is often easier to get additional funding on top.

The Da Vinci Awards specifically recognize collaborative projects that can lead to potential commercialization. These awards are not simply for research in the lab, but are targeted at research which will directly impact patient care in the field and help save lives.

Source: Nursing In Practice