Northern Health is trialing a new test that could detect a common infection in expecting mothers within minutes, potentially saving the lives of 150,000 newborns worldwide yearly.
The test that is similar to the COVID-19 rapid antigen test could spot if there are any Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria in pregnant women.
One in five expectant mothers carries these bacteria.
GBS infection can cause serious complications, leading to preterm births, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.
But the infection is easily treatable with standard antibiotics once detected.
Northern Health is partnering with RMIT University, EXSEN Biotech and Atomo Diagnostics for this trial.
Within the next three years, the RAT-like technology will undergo large-scale clinical trials and be taken to regulators in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Northern Health chair of research executive committee and divisional director of diagnostic services Associate Professor Prahlad Ho said Northern Health was proud and excited to be the clinical partner in the project, which will help improve clinical outcomes for babies.
“As one of the busiest healthcare providers in the region, Northern Health is committed to providing the best care for its large volume of clinically and ethnically diverse populations through its research collaborations and partnerships,” he said.
“Northern Health’s clinical partnership, led by Professor Lisa Hui and the Northern Pathology team, will enable the clinical testing of the diagnostic sensor being developed, thereby making it available for wider and equitable use in the community.”
