Health Watch | New single test for multiple infections
Just one sample to detect multiple illnesses, from dengue, flu, COVID-19 to typhoid, all of which exhibit several symptoms?
Just one sample to detect multiple illnesses, from dengue, flu, COVID-19 to typhoid, all of which exhibit several symptoms? That could well become possible if a new diagnostic test being developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is introduced widely. It could help doctors quickly diagnose the exact ailment a patient may be suffering from and begin the appropriate treatment sooner.
Just one sample to detect multiple illnesses, from dengue, flu, COVID-19 to typhoid, all of which exhibit several symptoms? That could well become possible if a new diagnostic test being developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is introduced widely. It could help doctors quickly diagnose the exact ailment a patient may be suffering from and begin the appropriate treatment sooner.
Currently, many patients have to go through multiple tests, which can be time-consuming, expensive and sometimes lead to unnecessary or incorrect treatments. By combining these checks into a single tool, the ICMR hopes to speed up diagnosis and expedite the care patients need.
This also comes at a critical time for India, where antimicrobial resistance is rising. According to studies, up to 83 per cent of patients may carry bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. A test like this could help doctors avoid prescribing antibiotics when they are not actually needed, which is essential to slow down this dangerous and alarming trend.
Once ready, the test could become especially valuable during outbreaks and health emergencies, helping India respond more effectively and in the process protect more lives.