November 9, 2010 | Online

App being created for STD testing

With so many people relying on their cell phones and computers for everything - from keeping in touch with friends, to watching movies, to studying - researchers are looking for a way to make testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as easy as peeing on your iPhone.

The idea is to make a special chip that would hold someone's spit or urine. It would then be attached to a cell phone and the sample processed. One would know immediately if they were carrying an STD like chlamydia or herpes.

The developers hope to sell the devices for as little as a few dollars, and make them available in vending machines at bars.

"Your mobile phone can be your mobile doctor. It diagnoses whether you've got one of a range of STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea and tells you where to go next to get treatment," said Dr Tariq Sadiq, a professor at the University of London, who is leading the project. "We need to tackle the rising epidemic of STIs, which have been going up and up and up. Britain is one of the worst [countries] in western Europe for teenage pregnancy and STIs. That there's a major embarrassment factor here, especially among young people, makes the situation worse."

"Some people may find going into a doctor's [office] to be tested an intimidating experience, so it's crucial that we find new ways to engage with people," said Dr Marion Henderson "This is important, particularly for women, as it can lead to future painful pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility, both of which could be avoided with testing and appropriate treatment."

Interesting idea, although we think we'll borrow a friend's phone for this one ...

Mobile phone kits to diagnose STDs [The Guardian]