Cell Phones or diagnostic tools?

GENTAG, Inc. and its partners have come out with a new disposable wireless diagnostic test platform for consumer cell phones. The technology, based on immunoassays, can test for pregnancy, fertility, pathogens, AIDS, drugs, allergens and even certain types of cancers.

This technology breakthrough will enable much more rapid diagnoses for diseases and make diagnostics more accessible and affordable for more people worldwide, announced Dr. John Peeters, the founder of GENTAG.

GENTAG made it wireless and compatible with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which enables consumers to use their cell phones as diagnostic tools to instantly test for pathogens, allergens or common medical conditions at any time, no matter where they are, said a press release.

This new technology is expected to impact women's health markets, including ovulation, fertility, and PROM (labor); the men's health market, including a urine-based prostate cancer test (PCADM-1); and tests for common food allergens.

NFC is currently being integrated into all major cell phone brands, and GENTAG is working with major OEMs worldwide to promote the uses of its disposable wireless sensor platform for consumer markets, said the statement.

The new wireless immunoassay technology is expected to rapidly impact the multi-billion dollar markets for OTC diagnostic tests, consumer markets, food safety markets, and homeland security, it said.