A low-cost test for flu would be very useful for several reasons, especially considering the impact of flu on public health and healthcare systems. Such a test would make diagnosis more accessible to a broader segment of the population, including those with limited financial means or in resource-constrained settings. Interventions and public health responses to limit the spread of the virus within communities would become possible and the test would reduce disease transmission by ensuring appropriate isolation and quarantine. The test would play a key role in future pandemic preparedness making it possible to screen workers, students and school children during outbreaks and monitor travel and borders when necessary. Most crucially, a test identifying patients infected with flu allows correct treatments and supportive measures to be deployed giving patients the best chance of recovery.

The team behind this project are experts in low-cost diagnostic testing technologies, particularly devices which work via electrochemical sensing. An example of a successful electrochemical system is the home blood glucose monitor used by diabetics to measure their blood sugar. In this project, the team propose to develop a low cost, but accurate and reliable technology based on a cutting-edge new surface chemistry approach for modifying the sensor meaning the test can be deployed during flu outbreaks at scale to diagnose patients earlier and help doctors to manage the situation as needed.