A revolutionary new test to diagnose active TB won top honours at the 2005 Medical Futures Innovation Awards, held in November in London. Developed by Dr David Moore from Imperial College London, the Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility (MODS) test relies on the characteristic growth pattern of Mycobacterium growth in a special liquid media and viewed using an inverted light microscope. Using this technique the bacteria can be identified in days, unlike traditional culture methods, which can take up to six weeks.
Another simple yet effective product is the multi-layered disposable apron, whose inventor, Kuldeep Kaur Bhangal described the garment’s potential to protect against infection transmission. The design enables the wearer to peel a layer off after each patient contact, eliminating the time-consuming process of apron changing.
Dr Andy Goldberg, founder of Medical Futures spoke to CSJ about the concept behind the event. “Many UK clinicians have brilliant ideas but lack the knowledge and support needed to bring them to market,” he stated. “What we do at Medical Futures is work to bridge that gap, and the Awards are an excellent way of increasing awareness and recognising some of the leading clinical designs that have such potential for patient care.”
